The Portland Winterhawks share a distinction with the New England Patriots.
The Patriots were disciplined by the National Football League in 2007 for what would be known as “Spygate,” when their team was caught videotaping opponents. The Winterhawks were stricken with sanctions on Nov. 28 for violating the recruitment and player benefit policies of the Western Hockey League.
The timing was similar for both, with teams poised to contend for championships. The Patriots went a perfect 16-0 before losing in the Super Bowl, while the Winterhawks were the WHL’s top team this season in spite of the negative publicity.
The Winterhawks, who built one of the best programs in junior hockey the last five years, are still without a recent championship banner. This could be their year with a group so deep and talented, it will be hard for any team to beat in a seven-game series.
The Swift Current Broncos, meanwhile, quietly enjoyed a solid season in “Speedy Creek.” They’ve got the components of a team that could surprise when the puck drops in playoff action this week.
THE FAVOURITE
Portland Winterhawks
Regular season record: 57-12-1-2 (117 points)
League ranking: 1st in Western Conference, 1st overall
Goal differential: 334-169
First-round opponent: Everett Silvertips
The sanctions the Winterhawks were slapped with in November resulted in fines, suspensions and the loss of draft picks. The most immediate fallout from the sanctions was the year-long suspension to head coach and general manager Mike Johnston. The architect of the Winterhawks is not permitted to set foot in any WHL rink this season, and must now watch his team’s success from a distance. Interim head coach Travis Green not only steered the ship, but guided it to the league’s best record.
The Winterhawks, who made positive headlines with their turnaround four years ago, are perhaps in their best position yet to win a league championship. They ran away with the regular season championship, and their 57 wins and 117 points are the most since the 2008-2009 Calgary Hitmen, who won 59 and finished with 122 points.
Strengths: Gone are names such as Nino Niederreiter, Ryan Johansen and Sven Baertschi, staples in the Winterhawks’ attack in recent years, and replaced by less notable, but even more effective players. Ty Rattie was expected to provide plenty of offence this season, and he did with 48 goals and 110 points. A pair of 5-foot-9 forwards, Brendan Leipsic and Nicolas Petan, tied atop the leaderboard with 120 points each.
Eight Winterhawks finished with more than 50 points this season, while 10 hit the 40-point plateau. This team is deep and talented, and can burn the opposition from several different lines.
Their defensive core can also activate into the rush. Captain Troy Rutkowski, along with potential first-overall pick, Seth Jones, provided nearly a point-per-game from the blue line. Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Derrick Pouliot chipped in with 45 points in 44 games while defensive stalwart Tyler Wotherspoon finished with a plus-62 rating, behind only teammate Petan and his plus-68.
Weaknesses: There really is no weakness for an opponent to exploit. The Winterhawks can beat the opposition playing different styles, from a run-and-gun to a more conservative defensive battle. Most will point to goaltender, Mac Carruth, as the weak link. However, the overage goalie was a catalyst in last year’s deep run and finished this season with a 2.06 goals against average and a .929 save percentage, among the best in both categories.
X-factor: Like the New England Patriots during the infamous “Spygate” season, the Winterhawks are a team loathed by the competition and trying to prove the sanctions won’t hold them back. They’ve got swagger, and they should, given their deep and talented lineup. Winning a championship this season won’t just be sweet, it’ll be a statement to those wishing to see them fall.
THE DARK HORSE
Swift Current Broncos
Regular season record: 36-29-3-4 (79 points)
League ranking: 6th in Eastern Conference, 11th overall
Goal differential: 206-193
First-round opponent: Calgary Hitmen
The Broncos return to the playoffs after a two-year hiatus. The league’s smallest market team was one of the bright surprises this season and broke through in a tough and crowded Eastern Conference. They were playing some of their best hockey down the stretch, winning their last four and eight of their last 10 games to climb all the way up into the sixth spot.
The team’s decision to hold onto captain and Winnipeg Jets prospect Adam Lowry at the trade deadline worked in their favour. Although they lost out on the opportunity to add several pieces in a trade, Lowry’s value to the team this season and down the stretch proved invaluable. The Broncos have many of the ingredients necessary to pull off a surprise in the playoffs.
Strengths: Much of the Broncos’ success revolves around two players: Lowry and Finnish goaltender Eetu Laurikainen. Lowry missed half of last season after suffering a wrist injury that required surgery, and returned to the dominant player he was becoming in his third season. Lowry concluded the year with 45 goals – sixth-most this season – and 88 points, ranking 12th in the league scoring race.
A lot of his points come from near the crease because the hulking, 6-foot-5, 201-pound winger is too difficult for most defenders to move.
Laurikainen joined the Broncos this season as a 19-year-old rookie and provided the team with the stellar goaltending they’d hoped for when they took him 20th overall in the Canadian Hockey League import draft. Although a little short in stature, the Finn finds a way to get his body in front of most shots. His 2.40 GAA and .922 save percentage were among the best in both categories this season. He consistently faces a lot of shots and often comes out on top.
Weaknesses: The Broncos have a strong top line and a few notable defenders, but depth behind their stars is thin. A key injury or two would be devastating. Their top players will see a lot of ice, and the lack of depth could hurt them if they play in a long series or make it past the first round. Since they won’t have home-ice, the matchup game won’t work in their favour.
X-factor: The Broncos have key pieces to the puzzle with Lowry and Laurikainen. The big, burly forward will be tough to contain, while Laurikainen has the ability to steal some games. A hot goaltender can mean the difference between a playoff series won or lost, and the Broncos are well-positioned to make life difficult for the Hitmen in the opening round.