Game Day Hub: Round 3, Game 4 vs. Prince George
2024 WHL Western Conference Championship
Portland Winterhawks vs. Prince George Cougars
POR leads series 2-1 • BUY TICKETS NOW
After a rousing Game 3 victory, the Hawks battle the Cougars again looking to strengthen their hold on the series.
Puck Drop: 7:00 P.M
Doors: 6:00 P.M.
Venue: Veterans Memorial Coliseum – Portland, Ore.
Uniforms: Red
Listen Live: Winterhawks Radio Network and on the Winterhawks App
Watch Live: WHL Live on CHL TV
Game Notes: Winterhawks Game Notes
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The Series So Far: POR leads 2-1
Game 1 – Portland 0 @ Prince George 5
Game 2 – Portland 5 @ Prince George 3
Game 3 – Prince George 1 @ Portland 4
Series Remaining Schedule:
Game 5 – Thursday, May 2 – @POR – 7:00 P.M.
*Game 6 – Monday, May 6 – @PG – 7:00 P.M.
*Game 7 – Tuesday, May 7 – @PG – 7:00 P.M.
*If Necessary | HOME
FOLLOW ALONG: Box Score
Pedal Down
The Winterhawks put on a show in front of a vibrant VMC on Monday, taking a 4-1 victory and a 2-1 series lead in the best-of-seven Western Conference Championship. Buoyed by a three-goal first period and rock-solid goaltending from Jan Špunar, the Hawks stymied the Cougars to maintain their home-ice advantage.
Now, just two home wins shy of a berth in the WHL Championship, the Winterhawks look to take a stranglehold on this matchup tonight. But a proud and talented Prince George group awaits on the other side with fresh memories of how the Hawks responded to a tough Game 1 loss and designs on doing the same in Game 4. The stage is set for another fantastic tilt between two of the best in the West!
Marcus’ Moment
While Špunar stole the show between the pipes, Marcus Nguyen was the tip of the spear for Portland in Game 3. Nguyen netted his first career playoff hat-trick to pace the Hawks’ 4-1 win, making it five points in the last two games for the 19-year-old. Nguyen deflected praise postgame to linemate Nate Danielson’s three assists on the night, with two of those coming on Nguyen goals, but make no mistake – the speedy winger was due for a breakthrough after being somewhat snakebitten earlier in the playoffs.
After grabbing his first of the postseason with an empty-netter in Game 2 and Monday’s outburst in Game 3, what does the Calgary kid have in store tonight?
Quick Strike(s)
After struggling offensively in Game 1 and breaking through in Game 2, the Hawks’ hot start in Game 3 was key to their victory as they quickly built a lead and played from in front for nearly the entire game. Three goals on 10 shots in 10 minutes ended the night for PG star goalie Joshua Ravensbergen, who has been stellar throughout the regular season and playoffs. It’s not as though chasing Ravensbergen gave the Hawks an open cage to shoot at – backup Ty Young would be a starter on most WHL teams and is a signed prospect of the Vancouver Canucks – but getting a quick multi-goal lead will rattle any opponent, especially here at the VMC.
Regardless of who gets the go-ahead in net for the Cougars tonight, the Hawks will seek a similar start to shake the confidence of their foe and get a rowdy crowd engaged early.
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