There’s less than three weeks remaining in the 2014-15 WHL season, and here’s where things stand in the race for the U.S. Division title:
STANDINGS
1. Everett, 83 points, 64 games played
2. Portland, 79 points, 62 games played
REMAINING GAMES
Everett: @TC, @Van, Por, @Sea, Sea, @Vic, Vic, @Spo.
Portland: Sea, TC, @Evt, @Spo, PG, Spo, @Spo, @TC, @Sea, TC.
If Portland wins its two games in hand, the teams will be tied. The tiebreaker is total wins, and the way things currently stand Portland would have one more win if the teams finish tied on points.
Looking at the schedules Portland’s seems more favorable, with three games remaining against both Tri-City and Spokane, as well as that visit by Prince George. However, the Winterhawks have four-in-fives each of the final two weeks, so fatigue could be a factor. Everett has that tricky home-and-home with Victoria on the final weekend of the season, but it’ll be interesting to see how the Royals approach those games since they’ll have very little to play for. The game between Everett and Portland next Wednesday looms large.
If Everett is going to pull off winning its first division title since 2007, it’s going to have to do the work on the road. Ten of the Tips’ past 13 games have been at home, but five of the last eight are on the road. Everett lost all three of those road games during the past 13-games stretch, and that includes losses against Tri-City and Spokane, teams the Tips would be expected to beat. This weekend Everett has two very winnable road games against Tri-City and Vancouver. I think the Tips need to win both those to have a chance of holding off Portland.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
