It’s my Parting Shot for the second and final installment of The Fearless Predictor’s W-H-L Playoffs Preview and picks…..
After working through the Western Conference first round plus one Eastern Conference series yesterday, there is a blanket statement that applies to the other three Eastern quarter-finals.
The so-called underdogs each have the goaltending to pull an upset, but I don’t think any of them will happen!
Third seed, but really second-best Moose Jaw takes on sixth seeded Brandon – an 18-point difference in the standings. Carson Bjarnason is the man in the hot seat between the pipes for the Wheat Kings, who split the season series with the Warriors – including the two games played after the trade deadline. But, I think Moose Jaw has too much for the Wheaties and will advance in six games!
Then we have second seed, but really third-best Swift Current battling seventh seeded Lethbridge – a 13-point difference. Harrison Meneghin could provide the Broncos with a brick wall scenario. The season series was split, but Swifty won both meetings, rather handily, after the trade deadline. I’m taking the Broncos in five games!
That leaves me with the top seeded Saskatoon Blades against the eighth seeded arch-rival Prince Albert Raiders – a league-high 38-point difference in the standings. The Bridge City Bunch won eight of the 10 head-to-head meetings, including four of five after the trade deadline. Max Hildebrand is the man charged with foiling the Blue and Gold…something I think he can do once, but that’s all. Saskatoon moves forward in five games!
Beyond that, I’m going with the storybook scenario – or as many would say, homer pick! The Blades are in their 60th season and I’m in my 30th campaign calling their games – without a championship to brag about. But, that ends in late May with a six-game Ed Chynoweth final series victory over the Portland Winterhawks!
Seriously, what did you expect me to say this season?!!
That’s my Parting Shot. I’m Les Lazaruk…and it turned out nice again!…..