It’s my Parting Shot for the return of The Fearless Predictor with a review of first round picks from the W-H-L Playoffs and a start on Conference semi-final prognostications…..
The review is simple – I predicted seven of the eight opening round winners, missing only the fact that Red Deer beat Medicine Hat! I was bang on with Portland sweeping Victoria, Kelowna getting past Wenatchee in six games and the Blades ousting Prince Albert in five games! On we go to Round 2…
One Western Conference semi has first place Prince George tangling with fifth place Kelowna – a 31-point difference in the standings, largest of the four sets starting tomorrow. The Cougars won six of eight regular-season meetings, including three of four after the January 10th trade deadline. But, three of those games went past regulation with two of them ending in shootouts, which don’t occur in the post-season. This could be a run-and-gun series with Prince George prevailing in five games!
The other Western semi-final features second place Portland against third place Everett – just a six-point different in the standings. The Winterhawks won six of the eight regular-season meetings with each team winning once after the trade deadline. Portland won 10-2 and the Silvertips blanked the Hawks 4-0. This will be a good series with Portland coming through in seven games!
I’ll take a boo at one of the Eastern Conference semis before finishing today – that being second seed Moose Jaw battling third seed Swift Current. These were two of the hotter teams down the stretch as the Broncos came from off the pace to win the Central Division banner while the Warriors’ strong finish allowed them to end up five points ahead of Speedy Creek for home-ice advantage in case they met, which they are! These teams split six regular-season meetings, with each team winning once in the other’s building. Moose Jaw’s road win came after the trade deadline. But, home ice will prove to be big as the Warriors fly past the Broncos in a Game 7!
Tomorrow, a long look at the Saskatoon Blades-Red Deer Rebels’ re-match from last year. For now, my Saskatoon over Portland final prediction is still in contention!
That’s my Parting Shot. I’m Les Lazaruk…and it turned out nice again!…..
