We’re in the middle of the long break between Games 2 and 3 in the second-round playoff series between Everett and Portland, with building conflicts in Portland creating four full off days between Saturday’s Game 2 in Everett and Thursday’s Game 3 in Portland.
There are several theories about how the unusual long break will affect the teams:
1) The long break helps Everett: The Tips have seen four of their eight playoff games go to overtime, with three of those requiring multiple overtimes, so they can use the rest. Everett also has injured players who the team hopes will be back sometime during the series, and the long break gives those players a better chance of being back for more of the games.
2) The long break helps Portland: While the Winterhawks are at full strength, Portland rides its top players hard, with the duo of Oliver Bjorkstrand and Nicolas Petan asked to play big-time minutes every game. The time off gives those two a much-needed chance to recharge for the remainder of the series.
3) The long break helps and hurts both teams: Both teams went to Game 6 in their first-round series, and both have reasons why some time off is useful. However, the four-day break disrupts the flow of the series and will cause both teams to be rusty for Game 3.
So what do you think?
Talk to us
- You can tell us about news and ask us about our journalism by emailing newstips@heraldnet.com or by calling 425-339-3428.
- If you have an opinion you wish to share for publication, send a letter to the editor to letters@heraldnet.com or by regular mail to The Daily Herald, Letters, P.O. Box 930, Everett, WA 98206.
- More contact information is here.
