WHL Playoffs Top Performer: May 1, 2024
Nate Danielson just had to one-up himself.
The Portland Winterhawks forward has gone three straight games with three assists in the WHL Western Conference Championship- but also added a goal in Game 4.
Danielson’s four-point night in a 5-2 victory powered Portland to a formidable 3-1 series lead against the Prince George Cougars.
The Detroit Red Wings prospect kicked off the night with a secondary assist on Captain Gabe Klassen’s powerplay strike in the first frame.
With Portland up 2-1 in the second period and Prince George piling on the shots, Danielson found Marcus Nguyen for some highlight-reel-worthy magic.
Danielson wired a centering pass to Nguyen on the doorstep of the Cougars’ crease, where Nguyen hammered away at a rebound for the eventual game-winner.
The pair would deliver a dagger in the final frame, with Danielson creating a rebound on a two-on-one, collecting his own rebound and continuing the cycle for Nguyen to score his fifth goal of the postseason.
Nguyen returned the favour late in the game, earning a secondary assist as Danielson snapped a rebound past Ty Young to seal the 5-2 victory.
Nate Danielson at the Western Conference Championship: 10 points (1G-9A) in 4 games!
The @DetroitRedWings got a special one.@pdxwinterhawks | #WHLPlayoffs | #LGRW pic.twitter.com/ogVVN1mOkz
— The WHL (@TheWHL) May 2, 2024
The duo has been the centrepiece of the Winterhawks’ attack, linking up on seven of Portland’s 14 goals this series.
Danielson, a Red Deer, Alta. product, has four goals and 16 assists for 20 points and a +13 rating through 12 contests in the 2024 WHL Playoffs presented by Nutrien.
10 of those points have come in his last three games against the Cougars.
The 6-foot-2, 188-pound centreman was selected ninth overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.
The Winterhawks will try to advance to the WHL Championship for the first time since 2014 with a win in Game 5 on Thursday, May 2 at 7:00 p.m. PST.