Down but not out...

The Hawks find themselves in the same whole they were in after two games in the Spokane series, down 2-0. The big difference between round 1 and round 2 is that Portland had all the confidence in the world playing in Spokane, but now... the never say die attitude will be tested.

In looking back on the last two games, Portland has netted 10 goals. You would think that scoring at 5 goals a game would result in at least 1 win... but Vancouver has scored 16 goals in Portland. Mac has been pulled in both games, and yet because Portland has kept scoring Ian has taken both losses in the series.

So, going into Vancouver, Portland once again has three in row on road ice, and the Red Shirts need to slow down the Giants attack and continue to get quality scoring chances. My concerns include...

Goalie, who is going to step up? Ian played a decent game in relief last night only allowing 2 goals on 29 shots. If he is going to start game 3 he has to step up. If not, then Mac needs to get back his confidence that he had against Spokane on the road.

Team speed... Vancouver is scary fast, and Portland's back end likes to jump into the play time and time again. Several times in game 1 and 2, the Giants attack simply skated away from the pressure and had 2-0 rushes resulting in several scoring opportunities and goals. In game one for sure the Giants scored two short handed goals as they jumped passes and skated away from the Portland skaters. Coach Johnston will need to continue to make adjustments.

And finally... can Portland contain their composure? Not only will this match up set scoring records, they are on pace to also set penalty minute records... Brad Ross spent over a full period on the box on Sunday and with his penalties at the end of game 1 is racking up the minutes. We can't win if we can't keep our skaters on the ice. Fighting is part of the game... but at some point the team has to skate and score.

The Hawks now face a difficult task, and many had the "Hawks are done" feelings after game 1 and 2 with Spokane... One thing for sure... This Hawk team will not quit and are in it until they lose 4. If nothing else, game 3 should be entertaining.