Published: Friday, March 21, 2008
Nick's WHL picks
Here are Herald hockey writer Nick Patterson's other predictions for the first round of the 2008 Western Hockey League playoffs (seeding numbers in parentheses):
Western Conference
Tri-City Americans (1) vs. Kamloops Blazers (8)
Synopsis: This one is really a no-brainer. Tri-City is coming off its best season in franchise history, winning the Scotty Munro Trophy for the league's best record, while Kamloops is coming off its worst season in franchise history. The Americans were great down the stretch, winning eight of their last 10 games, while the Blazers were dreadful, winning just once in their last 15. This one could be over quickly.
Prediction: Tri-City in five games.
Vancouver Giants (2) vs. Chilliwack Bruins (7)
Synopsis: Here's an interesting stat: In 23 games all-time between Vancouver and Chilliwack, both in the regular season and the playoffs, the Giants are 20-1-1-1. Vancouver also finished a whopping 41 points ahead of Chilliwack in the standings. The Bruins have a pair of top-end forwards in Mark Santorelli and Oscar Moller, but the Giants have the advantage everywhere else.
Prediction: Vancouver in five games.
Seattle Thunderbirds (4) vs. Kelowna Rockets (5)
Synopsis: Seattle is a good darkhorse candidate to go all the way. After an indifferent first half, the T-birds are playing their best hockey going into the playoffs and appear to have all the necessary elements. Kelowna, which struggled down the stretch, will be bolstered by the recent return of sniper Jamie Benn from injury, but it won't be enough to derail the T-birds.
Prediction: Seattle in five games.
Eastern Conference
Calgary Hitmen (1) vs. Moose Jaw Warriors (8)
Synopsis: For a one-versus-eight matchup there sure wasn't much separating Calgary and Moose Jaw -- just 11 points in the standings -- and the teams look competitive on paper, though Calgary won four of the five meetings during the regular season. The question is whether Moose Jaw has enough defensively to slow down Calgary's high-powered offense. Probably not.
Prediction: Calgary in six games.
Regina Pats (2) vs. Swift Current Broncos (7)
Synopsis: Regina loaded up at the trade deadline and that was enough to push the Pats to the East Division title. Swift Current actually won the season series 4-2. However, there are questions as to whether Swift Current's wide-open style will translate to the playoffs, where defense tends to take on a greater importance.
Prediction: Regina in six games.
Lethbridge Hurricanes (3) vs. Brandon Wheat Kings (6)
Synopsis: This one could be a shootout as both Lethbridge and Brandon have plenty of offensive ability. The emergence of goaltender Juha Metsola late in the season may be the factor that gives Lethbirdge its first playoff series victory in 11 years. Brandon has terrific young talent, but the wheat Kings are at least a year away.
Prediction: Lethbridge in six games.
Medicine Hat Tigers (4) vs. Kootenay Ice (5)
Synopsis: Kootenay was one of the league's best teams during the second half of the season, and the Ice entered the final week with an outside shot at landing the No. 1 seed. Things didn't work out and Kootenay ended up with a terrible draw, away to defending league champion Medicine Hat. The Tigers aren't the team they were last season, but they have plenty of playoff experience. This series will be a battle.
Prediction: Kootenay in seven games.
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