Thunderbirds open playoffs against rival Silvertips this weekend

The Seattle Thunderbirds open the Western Hockey League playoffs this weekend at I-5 rival Everett.

Games 1 and 2 of the first-round, best-of-seven series are Friday and Saturday on Silvertips’ ice. The series shifts to Kent and the accesso ShoWare Center for Games 3 and 4 on March 27 and 30.

Seattle (34-28-8-2) earned the second wild-card playoff spot in the Western Conference race. Everett (47-20-2-3) clinched the U.S. Division title.

Of the 10 games in the regular-season series, eight were decided by a single goal, with the Silvertips carrying a 6-2-0-2 record and the T-Birds claiming a 4-4-2-0 record in battles between the clubs.

The playoff history between the teams has been confined to the previous four seasons, with the T-Birds coming away victorious in all three matchups.

PLAYOFF GLANCE

Everett vs. Seattle

First-round, best-of-seven series

Game 1 – Seattle at Everett, Friday, March 23, 7:35 p.m.

Game 2 – Seattle at Everett, Saturday, March 24, 7:05 p.m.

Game 3 – Everett at Seattle, Tuesday, March 27 7:05 p.m.

Game 4 – Everett at Seattle, Friday, March 30, 7:35 p.m.

Game 5 – Seattle at Everett, Saturday, March 31, 7:05 p.m.*

Game 6 – Everett at Seattle, Tuesday, April 3, 7:05 p.m.*

Game 7 – Seattle at Everett, Wednesday, April 4, 7:05 p.m.*

*if necessary

Game 3 promotion: Directors Mortgage 2-for-Tuesday game, featuring two-for-one tickets and beers and $2 popcorn, $2 hot dogs and $2 soda.

Game 4 promotion: Fans can purchase 10 tickets for $220 and get two free tickets and $10 worth of free Chuck-a-Pucks. Group ticket special available by calling the T-Birds at 253-239-7825 (PUCK). Not available on game day. They are advance purchase only.

Single-game tickets can be purchased on the T-Birds website and at the ShoWare box office, which is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday game days at noon.