The Portland Winterhawks found themselves in early holes twice last weekend before running off a string of goals in wins over Swift Current and Vancouver. The reasons for the early deficits differed, but in both cases the response pleased coach Jamie Kompon.
“We responded the right way. There was no sense of panic, but there was more urgency,” Kompon said.
On Nov. 13, Swift Current took a 3-0 first-period lead thanks to two goals from Jon Martin, who leads the WHL with 21. Keegan Iverson scored late in the first period to start a run of five goals in less than 13 minutes for the home team. Iverson scored twice and Caleb Jones had three assists in that spree.
One night later on the road, the Hawks spotted Vancouver two goals, then ran off four in about nine minutes to take the lead. The Giants had four early power plays and the first 17 shots on goal in that game. Portland outshot Vancouver 14-2 in the final eight minutes of the first period and finished that night with a 43-38 shots advantage.
In addition to responding to early deficits, Kompon was pleased with the way his team has recently handled third-period leads. In winning three in a row, the Winterhawks were dominant with third-period leads. On Nov. 11, Tri-City had two third-period shots. On Saturday, Swift Current had five shots on goal. On Sunday, Vancouver managed eight shots on goal.
“We played the right way with the lead,” Kompon said. “It’s doing the right thing with the puck. If there’s not a play to be made, don’t force the play” and make the opponent go the length of the rink to create scoring chances.
Winterhawks
This week: Host Tri-City. 7 p.m., Friday (VMC); at Seattle, 7:05 p.m. Saturday; host Moose Jaw, 7 p.m. Wednesday (VMC).
Last week: Beat Swift Current 5-4, beat Vancouver 5-3.
Where they stand: At 10-9-0-0 (20 points), the Winterhawks are in fourth place in the U.S. Division behind Seattle, Spokane and Everett, and have the seventh most points in the Western Conference.
Scoring balance: The Winterhawks scored 16 goals in three recent wins, with nine different players contributing goals. Portland’s 66 goals through 19 games is the second highest goals-per-game in the U.S. Division and fourth best in the Western Conference.
Lineup notes: Austin Gray decided to leave the Winterhawks and has returned home to Prince George. The 18-year-old forward played in two games this season.
Vancouver Rangers
This week: At Butte (Mont.) Cobras, 7 p.m. Friday, 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.
Last week: Swept two home games against Lake Tahoe, 8-3 and 6-0.
Where they stand: At 14-2-1 (29 points), the Rangers have the third most points and the second best winning percentage in the Northwest Division of the Western States Hockey League. Idaho (17-0, 34 points) and Missoula (16-4, 32 points) are ahead of Vancouver.
Tahoe recap: The Rangers scored the first six goals on their way to Friday’s 8-3 win against the winless Icemen (0-17). Vancouver put 70 shots on goal in the Friday game. Brandon Ab had two goals and Paul Frys three assists. On Saturday, Kyle Stevens had two goals and Liam Bohm-Meyer needed to make only 15 saves for the shutout in goal, while Vancouver had 57 shots on goal.
Scouting Butte: The Cobras are 1-16 on the season, 0-7 at home. They have been outscored by 102 goals.
