Here are Herald writer Jesse Geleynse’s picks for the first round of the Western Hockey League playoffs:
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Victoria vs. Spokane
No team is hotter than the Victoria Royals, who lost just once in their final 26 regular-season games. Victoria, the biggest surprise in the Western Conference this season, should have no trouble with the youthful Chiefs.
Prediction: Victoria in four games.
Seattle vs. Prince George
Prince George started strong, but faltered down the stretch. Meanwhile, the Thunderbirds caught fire, losing just once in their final 19 regular-season games. Prince George is a physical team, but Seattle’s skill wins out. The travel schedule means the teams split up north, but the T-Birds will sweep the home games.
Prediction: Seattle in five.
Kelowna vs. Kamloops
Defending WHL champion Kelowna led the B.C. Division for most of the season before the Rockets were overtaken by surging Victoria. Kamloops shrugged off a rough start to end with nine wins in its final 10 games. The close proximity makes this an intriguing matchup, but the Blazers won’t get past the battle-tested Rockets.
Prediction: Kelowna in six.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Brandon vs. Edmonton
Brandon, the defending conference champion, surged to a 9-0-1 record in its final 10 games. Meanwhile Edmonton struggled down the stretch and had to beat a red-hot Medicine Hat team in a one-game playoff to reach the postseason. The Wheat Kings win this handily.
Prediction: Brandon in four.
Prince Albert vs. Moose Jaw
Prince Albert started out the season strong before settling into the middle of the playoff chase. Moose Jaw has an outstanding goalie in Zach Sawchenko and two of the top 11 scorers in the league in Dryden Hunt and Brayden Point.
Prediction: Moose Jaw in seven.
Lethbridge vs. Regina
Lethbridge was one of the feel-good stories of the season. The once-moribund franchise won its first division title in 19 seasons and earned its first playoff berth since 2009. Regina held a 3-1 head-to-head record in the regular season, but that won’t hold in the playoffs.
Prediction: Lethbridge in six.
Red Deer vs. Calgary
Red Deer added former Silvertip Ivan Nikolishin in the offseason and former Spokane Chief Adam Helewka at the trade deadline as the Rebels loaded up to play host to the Memorial Cup. Red Deer finished five points ahead of the Hitmen in the Central Division and should get past its division rival.
Prediction: Red Deer in six.
Jesse Geleynse covers the Everett Silvertips and the WHL for The Herald.
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