Spokane and Portland Part 3

Portland is in Spokane tonight to take on the Chiefs in a make or break game 3. Tonight is a chance for Portland to get back into this series and get their first win. As I mentioned after game 2, Portland gave away game 1 in my opinion and flat out got beat in game 2. Now it is Portland's turn to go on the road and get it going.

Mac played pretty well in both game 1 and game 2. Over all it appears that Portland's issue has been finishing scoring opportunities. Out of the 6 goals Portland has netted, 4 have been by defensemen, one each to Troy, Brett, Luca and Taylor. Not what you expect from a team with Nino, Brad, Ryan, Chris and Luke playing up front. In fact Stefan has a goal as well, so the big 5 up front need to start putting the puck in the net. Portland is going to give up goals, they have all year, so Portland has to limit Spokane's chances and score the puck.

Here is just a thought on forward lines with Peters being out.

Walker, Francis, Bennet
Nino, Johansen, Gabriel
Boychuk, Rattie, Swenson
Ross, Schneider, Jordan

I would like to see Ross on the checking line... and it might mix somethings up with the other lines as well. I am sure Coach Johnston has his lines ready to go, so just my thoughts. The Defensive pairs seem to be working so I would leave them...

Ponich, Doyle
Sbisa, Aronson
Morrow, Rutkowski

Even though getting Wotherspoon or Pouliot some time would be good for them, I would not play them yet. They are both very good up and coming players, and will be contributors next year for sure.

And I would leave Carruth as I believe Portland seems to play harder and be a better team with Mac in net. Mac is the future net minder, so leave him in there...

I really think Portland gets one tonight. I know some Hawk fans are planning on being in Spokane this week... we are going up Friday for the weekend. Those going tonight, get the guys going. Time to get back into this series.