Three to go and then the Playoffs...

Well, with last nights win the Hawks are at 85 points on the season and a lock to be the 5th seed, or perhaps with some help catch Spokane for the 4th. Portland has three games left, while all three US teams ahead of them have four. So, what does that tell you? Portland has a realistic shot at 91 points, which would give them 44 wins. 44 wins is more wins then points last year... heck if you take the two previous seasons before that and combine the points, they would struggle to get 44, and yet going into last nights win against Tri City, several folks, me included were concerned that Portland had peaked and did not have the ability to ramp it up for the Playoffs, most likely against a very talented and veteran Spokane Chiefs.

Last nights win did a couple of things...

1 - it got Mac going again in net. The last several games in net for both Ian and Mac were not quality games. Mac had a pretty solid game last night and is it his turn to be the #1 for a bit? Johnston has got to pick one goalie for the playoffs, and to this point I'm sure he hasn't decided.

2 - by winning against TC, a team that has been limping into the playoffs BTW, Portland's offense started showing signs of life again. Coach has shuffled up the lines a bit, moving Nino up with Francis and Walker, and putting Rattie down on the 3rd scoring line, it allows Ty to have some room to work and since he will be up against a 3rd line, not a number 1 or the checking line, gives him a chance to shine. I think it is a good move. Ollie is playing where Nino was, and his energy will keep that line solid.

It was good to see the young defensemen play well last night too. Hopefully Eric Doyle will be back for the playoffs as it appears Joe Morrow may be out of the line up for a bit... and the Playoffs is really what Doyle and Sbisa were brought to Portland for...

One last thing, the final Hawkey Talk Pizza Update Show from Stark Street Pizza is Monday night. Come on out and hear from Taylor Jordan, Oliver Gabriel and Luca Sbisa.