BREAKING NEWS: Reason T-Birds fail to make WHL playoffs for first time since 2012
Seattle celebrated a victory over Portland on St. Patrick’s Day, but their 11-year playoff streak came to an end. Despite a thrilling 5-4 overtime win against the Portland Winterhawks at the Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle’s hopes were dashed as a Spokane Chiefs win the day before sealed their fate, eliminating them from playoff contention in the Western Conference of the Western Hockey League (WHL).
Heading into the final stretch of the season, Seattle sits in ninth place with 52 points, trailing the eighth-place Spokane by 12 points. Only the Tri-City Americans and Kamloops Blazers find themselves lower in the standings.
Last season, Seattle had an impressive run, narrowly missing out on the Memorial Cup victory, but this year proved to be a different story. Despite their confidence in bouncing back as playoff contenders after losing key players to age restrictions and NHL drafts, the competition surged ahead, leaving Seattle behind.
As the season winds down, the teams heading into the playoffs include the Prince George Cougars, Portland Winterhawks, Everett Silvertips, Wenatchee Wild, Vancouver Giants, Kelowna Rockets, Victoria Royals, and Spokane Chiefs.
Seattle’s remaining schedule includes matchups against Kamloops and Spokane at the accesso ShoWare Center, followed by a road game in Portland before wrapping up the season at home against Portland once again.
This marks a significant contrast from Seattle’s earlier years in Kent, where they struggled to secure playoff berths, and their final season in Seattle where they managed to make it to the postseason.
St. Patrick’s Day win
Sawyer Mynio secured a crucial goal in overtime, propelling the T-Birds to a 5-4 comeback victory against the Portland Winterhawks at Climate Pledge Arena, marking their second consecutive win.
Reflecting on his pivotal fifth game-winning goal of the season, Mynio acknowledged the significance, stating, “It was a significant goal, clinching the game.” He emphasized the team’s perseverance, despite facing adversity heading into the third period. “While trailing in the third wasn’t ideal, we stayed committed and battled through.”
Head coach Matt O’Dette commended the team’s resilience, noting, “The first two periods weren’t our best, but we started the third period on the right foot.” He highlighted the importance of seizing the power play opportunity in the third period, which injected momentum into their game.
Following a successful penalty kill in overtime, Nico Myatovic gained control of the puck in their defensive zone and initiated a play that led to Mynio’s game-winning goal. Mynio, fresh off the bench, received the pass from Myatovic, maneuvered into the slot, and unleashed the decisive shot.
In a stellar performance, Scott Ratzlaff made a remarkable 52 saves, including crucial stops during overtime, securing the victory in goal for the T-Birds.