WESTERN CONFERENCE
Tri-City Americans (1) vs. Chilliwack Bruins (8)
Synopsis: This one-versus-eight series is not as one-sided as one might think. Tri-City is not playing its best hockey going into the playoffs, and the Bruins won the season series 3-1. However, it’ll be difficult for a thin Chilliwack team to keep up with a deep Tri-City team over the course of a series.
Prediction: Tri-City in five games.
Vancouver Giants (2) vs. Kamloops Blazers (7)
Synopsis: Kamloops forced overtime against Vancouver in its final game of the regular season to draw the Giants in the first round. The Blazers didn’t fair badly against Vancouver during the regular season, losing just twice in regulation in eight meetings. But Kamloops still hasn’t solved its problems preventing goals.
Prediction: Vancouver in five games.
Spokane Chiefs (4) vs. Portland Winterhawks (5)
Synopsis: This is perhaps the choice first-round series as both teams finished with more than 90 points. Both teams have questions as Spokane’s top sniper Kyle Beach is dealing with an injury and Portland must figure out its goaltending situation. A youthful Portland team may be a year away.
Prediction: Spokane in six games.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Calgary Hitmen (1) vs. Moose Jaw Warriors (8)
Synopsis: Another potentially misleading one-versus-eight matchup as the teams split their four meetings during the regular season. But unlike Tri-City, Calgary enters the playoffs flying and Moose Jaw isn’t the same team since dealing defenseman Travis Hamonic at the trade deadline.
Prediction: Calgary in four games.
Brandon Wheat Kings (2) vs. Swift Current Broncos (7)
Synopsis: Brandon is another team that heads into the playoffs at full speed, and the Wheat Kings finished the regular season with 45 more goals than the second-highest in total in the league. Swift Current heads into the playoffs with some momentum, too, but nothing like the momentum Brandon has going.
Prediction: Brandon in five games.
Saskatoon Blades (3) vs. Red Deer Rebels (6)
Synopsis: These are two teams that are limping into the playoffs. Saskatoon suffered injuries and lost the East Division title to Brandon down the stretch, while Red Deer lost its final five games of the regular season. Red Deer has some good young talent, but the Rebels may not yet be ready for the occasion.
Prediction: Saskatoon in six games.
Kootenay Ice (4) vs. Medicine Hat Tigers (5)
Synopsis: Kootenay won the final sprint to the finish line, finishing one point ahead of Medicine Hat for home-ice advantage in the series. But while the Ice earned home-ice, the Tigers nearly caught up by winning their last six, and Medicine Hat has a tradition of playoff success.
Prediction: Medicine Hat in six games.
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