WINTERHAWKS 5 PATS 2
The Portland Winterhawks (15-4-1-1) fired nearly 60 shots on goal and earned a 5-2 win over the Regina Pats (11-10-0-0) Sunday at the Moda Center in front of 9,019 fans.
The Hawks were dominant through much of the first, outshooting Regina 16-5. They opened the scoring 4:46 into the game when Paul Bittner led a rush into the Regina zone, collected a rebound off his own shot, went behind the net and fed Nic Petan in front, who beat Pats netminder Dawson MacAuley to make it 1-0. Portland extended the lead to 2-0 with a power play goal at the 15:46 mark when Brendan Leipsic went top corner for his 11th goal of the season.
The Pats got on the board 3:15 into the second on a goal by Dryden Hunt to cut the Hawks’ lead to 2-1. Portland again dominated play through much of the frame though, and went back up by two on a Taylor Leier blast from the point with just 37.9 seconds left to make it 3-1 heading into the third.
Regina got within one when Kyle Burroughs scored 4:39 into the third to cut Portland’s lead to 3-2, but the Hawks responded 1:21 later when Chase De Leo split two defensemen on a rush and went top shelf to make it a 4-2 advantage. Portland added to the lead at the 13:42 mark when Leier deflected a shot past MacAuley on a power play to take a 5-2 lead, which stood as the final. The Hawks never let the Pats back into the game in the final frame, outshooting them 24-10 in the third.
Nic Petan finished with a goal and two assists, while Leier had two goals.
Jarrod Schamerhorn earned the win in net for the Hawks with 21 saves on 23 shots. MacAuley took the loss, but made 53 saves on 58 shots. Portland was 2-5 on the power play and 4-4 on the penalty kill.
The Pats visit the Everett Silvertips Wednesday at 9:00 pm on 620 CKRM (Press Box Sports Bar Pregame Show at 8:35 pm).
Courtesy Winterhawks PR
I watched this game start to finish. It was embarrassing in more than one area. Portland absolutely schooled us in every phase of the game. The score totally flattered us. They have far more talent, speed and grit than we do. They are true contenders and well let's say…. we are not. At least a third of our forwards young and older, can't skate at that level. A great number of our forwards and d-men were seriously exposed. Our third line looked like they were skating in sand. The Pats learned how good they have to get and how far… Read more »
Anon above also has to learn that one game does not make a season. Get a grip. I also bet he didn't think Saskills riders would beat bc either.
Anon #2 that's an idiotic no nothing comment.. You didn't pay to watch the game. Until you've played and understand the game that comment is stupid. We haven't beaten anyone above us in the east division let alone anywhere else. Only two of our wins have come against teams that were above .500. We lead the league in penalties and are very undisciplined. We have the worst Pk in the league. Now worst PK and most penalty minutes adds up to a mediocre club. This club has been mediocre for decades. Your undoubtedly somebody used to mediocre in your life.… Read more »
Geez Who pi**ed on your Cornflakes this morning?
Little mad buddy? lol.. Portland is one of the best clubs in the league, you aren't gonna win every freakin game!! We'll beat them next year at home like we did last year!
GO PATS!
Pats win three, don't hear a thing. Pats lose to last years WHL Champions and the top team in the league so far this season, and it's a travesty. The Pats are a joke and are just terrible!! Have you watched more than one game this season??? Did you watch the game the night before against Seattle?? I'm going to agree with anon 2….One game doesn't make a season. I understand a lot of people are upset with the lack of 'good' associated with the Pats the past decade+, myself included. Been a season ticket holder for more than 10… Read more »