NEW YORK -- The field is set for the second round of the WHL playoffs, and the two teams with Penguins prospects on them will be going head-to-head.
The Portland Winterhawks, including goaltending prospect Taylor Gauthier and defense prospect Ryan McCleary, swept the Prince George Cougars in the best-of-seven first round. Gauthier started all games and stopped 111 of 115 shots faced for a 1.00 goals-against average, a .965 save percentage and one shutout. McCleary was scoreless in the series with an even plus/minus.
Forward prospect Lukas Svejkovsky and the Seattle Thunderbirds eliminated the Kelowna Rockets in five games.