#WHLPlayoffs Tonight: March 30, 2019
On March 22, 2019, 16 Western Hockey League teams began play in the 2019 #WHLPlayoffs. Over the next two calendar months, teams will compete with one goal: the right to be called WHL Champions in 2019 and immortalize themselves in WHL history.
From the first round, regional and divisional rivalries will separate the best from the rest as the field gradually shrinks in the second round and into the Eastern and Western Conference Championships. Finally, two teams will meet in the 2019 Rogers #WHLChampionship Series with the winner able to hoist the Ed Chynoweth Cup. The champions will also earn a berth into the 2019 Memorial Cup presented by Kia, which will be held in Halifax, N.S. from May 16 to 26, 2019.
Calgary Hitmen at Lethbridge Hurricanes – Scoring & Highlights
Hitmen lead 3-2
The Calgary Hitmen became the first road team to win a game in their first round WHL Playoffs series against the Lethbridge Hurricanes Saturday, taking a 6-5 result at Nicholas Sheran Arena and a 3-2 series lead. Captain Mark Kastelic had two goals as part of a three-point night while Dakota Krebs added three assists from the blue line. A four-goal second period made the difference for the Hitmen. Vladislav Yeryomenko (Nashville Predators), Luke Coleman, and Cael Zimmerman also scored for the Hurricanes in the contest.
Josh Prokop also scored for Calgary while the Hurricanes responded with a pair of goals from Jake Leschyshyn (Vegas Golden Knights), a goal and two assists from captain Jordy Bellerive (Pittsburgh Penguins) and three assists from Calen Addison (Pittsburgh Penguins).
Kamloops Blazers at Victoria Royals – Scoring & Highlights
Royals lead 3-2
The Victoria Royals doubled up the Kamloops Blazers by a 6-3 score to take a 3-2 series lead Saturday on home ice. Phillip Schultz had a hat trick and four points while D-Jay Jerome, Tanner Sidaway, and Noah Lamb also scored. Captain Jermaine Loewen (Dallas Stars), Ryley Appelt, and Logan Stankoven scored for Kamloops in the defeat. Griffen Outhouse stopped 27 of 30 shots for the win.
Vancouver Giants at Seattle Thunderbirds – Scoring & Highlights
Giants win 4-2
The Vancouver Giants are off to the second round of the WHL Playoffs for the first time since 2010. A 5-1 win over the Seattle Thunderbirds south of the border wrapped up their series in six games Saturday night. 2019 NHL Draft prospect Bowen Byram opened the scoring with the only goal of the first while a pair of goals from Jadon Joseph and one from captain Jared Dmytriw featured in the second. Tristen Nielsen and Andrej Kukuca traded goals in the third while David Tendeck (Arizona Coyotes) stopped 33 of 34 shots for the win.
Tri-City Americans at Everett Silvertips – Scoring & Highlights
Silvertips win 4-1
A hat trick from Bryce Kindopp and two goals from Zack Andrusiak led the offensive charge in a series-clinching victory for the Everett Silvertips against the Tri-City Americans Saturday. A goal and four points from captain Connor Dewar (Minnesota Wild) also featured while Gage Goncalves had a goal and three points. The Silvertips spread out their offence evenly, with three goals in each period as Martin Fasko-Rudas and Ronan Seeley also found the back of the net. Kyle Olson (Anaheim Ducks) had the lone goal for the Americans.
Portland Winterhawks at Spokane Chiefs – Scoring & Highlights
Chiefs win 4-1
Riley Woods and 2019 NHL Draft prospect Luke Toporowski each scored twice to send the Spokane Chiefs into the second round of the 2019 WHL Playoffs Saturday. Portland Winterhawks captain Cody Glass (Vegas Golden Knights) opened the scoring in the first before the Chiefs responded with four unanswered goals for their home fans. Bailey Brkin stopped 38 of 39 shots for the Chiefs in the win.
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