The Western Conference playoff series are all set. With Portland reaching overtime last night, the Winterhawks clinched third place and will face the Everett Silvertips in the first round.
Games One and Two will be Friday and Saturday at Xfinity Arena. The series shifts to Portland next week Tuesday and Wednesday. Game Five would be Friday, April 1 at Everett, Game Six would be Saturday at Portland and Game Seven would be back in Everett on Monday, April 4.
The Winterhawks knocked out the Tips four games to one in last year’s second round. The two teams split their 10 games against each other this season.
Other first round match-ups include Seattle-Prince George, Kelowna-Kamloops and Victoria-Spokane. Tri-City missed the playoffs for the first time since 2002-03, meaning the Silvertips now have longest active playoff streak in the Western Conference at 13 straight seasons.
In the Eastern Conference three of the pairings are determined. But Medicine Hat will play host to Edmonton in a play-in game Tuesday for the conference’s final playoff berth. The winner will meet Eastern Conference regular-season champion Brandon in the first round.
Other first round match-ups include Prince Albert-Moose Jaw, Lethbridge-Regina and Red Deer-Calgary.
Also of note:
– Carter Hart said Friday that he will be back for the playoffs and plans to resume skating “Monday or Tuesday.” It would appear that his undisclosed lower body injury isn’t as serious as it originally appeared, but we’ll continue to keep a close eye on his progress.
– Brett Kemp made his WHL debut in Saturday’s game. The 15-year-old had one shot and was minus-one on the evening.
– Colleague and former Tips beat writer Nick Patterson paid a visit to Xfinity Arena for Friday’s regular-season home finale and has his take on the conclusion to Everett’s season.
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