It’s my Parting Shot for Part 1 of a two-part W-H-L Conference final preview with The Fearless Predictor…..
But first, an addition to yesterday’s scolding of “keyboard warriors” when it comes to being given a dose of reality! This point involves individual game score-lines. Unlike young kids’ sports where a lop-sided win leads to more lop-sided decisions, either for or against, a quote, unquote, butt kicking in an individual game in elite level sports means diddly squat. A 7-0 win, for example, is worth just one win – not multiple victories in either the regular season or, especially now, in the playoffs! There are plenty of examples of series in which a team was out-scored by the opposition, thanks to a blow-out or two, but captured four close wins! Again, score lines mean nothing when presenting an on-line argument!!
Now to preview the best-of-seven W-H-L Western Conference final as Prince George meets Portland, the top two teams on the other side of the Rockies during the regular-season and dominating the post-season! Only one point separated them, giving the Cougars home-ice advantage.
Both teams can score, as evidenced by 42 goals each! Both teams have exceptional goaltenders while P-G defends better than the Hawks. However, because of the 15-hour travel time between the B-C interior and Oregon, the series will feature a 2-3-2 schedule format, which is a big advantage for Portland – especially if they split the first two games in Prince George!
That’s what I think will happen – the Winterhawks will win one game in P-G, take two of three at home, then return to Cougarland and win Game 6. The Hawks will out-score their defensive deficiencies with Jan Spunar in goal chipping in with a few timely saves!
So, Portland in 6. Since this feature takes a day off tomorrow, I’ll look at the Eastern Conference final – Saskatoon and Moose Jaw – on Friday!
That’s my Parting Shot. I’m Les Lazaruk…and it turned out nice again!…..