Hawks’ Rattie on fire in the playoffs
Winterhawks star has scored 16 goals so far
At every level he has played, Ty Rattie has specialized in clutch moments and scoring — both in abundance.
So it should be no surprise that the Airdrie native’s production has been out of control in this season’s Western Hockey League playoffs.
So far — 13 games in, including the Portland Winterhawks’ 2-0 series lead over the Tri-city Americans in the Western Conference final series — Rattie leads the WHL with 27 points including three hat tricks and 16 goals in 13 games. And, no, that’s not a typo. “I definitely have a little bit of confidence,” understated the St. Louis Blues 2011 draft pick. “But in playoffs you can’t get too high and you can’t get too low. Our coach Mike (Johnston) says that all the time and I’m a real big believer in it.
“Going into Game 3, I just want to be on an even keel and be on top of my game.”
Tri-city pushed Portland to the limit in Saturday’s Game 2, going up 4-2 at one point in the third period, but Winterhawks winger Joey Baker and Rattie answered the bell.
Then, the 19-year-old, who was cut from the Canadian junior team over the winter, potted a shorthanded marker in overtime to win 5-4, Portland’s second overtime victory in the series.
On a roster littered with NHL prospects, it’s no secret the Winterhawks are an offensively deep squad. Rattie and his line including Calgary Flames prospect Sven Baertschi (second in league scoring with 18 assists and six goals in 13 games) and Philadelphia Flyers 2011 draft pick Marcel Noebels (15 points in 11 games) have taken it to a new level.
But the truth is, this year’s group as a whole also has post-season experience and composure, which could be invaluable down the stretch.
After losing in the second round in 2010, the group made it to the WHL final last season before losing to the Kootenay Ice. Their experience came in handy when they fought off the Kamloops Blazers last week, after they stormed back from being down 3-0 in the series and forced a seventh game.
“I think playoff hockey has a lot to with having the mental skills to deal with those different things,” Portland head coach Mike Johnston. “That’s what makes our group a little more resilient. I really hope our players can draw on those types of experiences when we are in situations like last week.”