Greetings from Everett

So far that Hawks have won both of their games here at the Everett Pre-Season. In game one against Spokane, the Hawks came out and for 57 minutes were the dominating team. I love the aggressive play this team is showing. The power play, while still not scoring on a regular basis, is looking strong. Troy Rutkowski looks to be the Quarterback of the PP so far, and the diamond look with a high slot shooter is working. The puck is moving, they are keeping it in the zone, now they just have to start finishing. In the end the team held on for a 3-2 victory. It wasn't this close, but at the end of the game the scoreboard says it all and Portland got the win.

In game two the Hawks were not as crisp, and had to scrap with Prince George to get it to OT and eventually a shoot out. Portland out shot PG 62 - 26. When was the last time Portland had 62 shots on goal? Again, finishing seems to be an issue. However in the shoot out, Portland had three good looking shots out of five, Berglund, Leier and Reddin lighting the lamp, with Rattie and Pouliot not. (Yes Portland sent out two 15, a 16 and a first year Euro in the shoot out and it was great to see.) Hamilton held on in the shoot out for the win... so Portland is 2-0 heading into the night cap this evening with the Tips. Portland has looked good, and Coach Johnston is sticking to his plan of each goalie getting a game and each skater dressing for at least two games. So, it will be interesting to see who Everett skates tonight, I do see a fast exciting game as Portland seems to want to push the pace and play agressive hockey.

One last note for this morning... Derrick Pouliot is going to be one of those special players in this league. Watching him in camp and now in three WHL pre-season games, he has showed poise and composure that many players at 19 do not have. Time and time again he has been in the right place to make the play. Taylor Leier is another youngster who will fit right in with Rattie, Ross, Wotherspoon and Rutkowski as building blocks for the future. I know we all saw Ty Rattie last year and commented, can't wait for him to be in Portland, well, the same thing can be said about Derrick Pouliot... Portland is headed in the right direction, that is for sure.