Western Conference
Kamloops (No. 2 seed) vs. Victoria (7)
Synopsis: Victoria salvaged its season with a stunning two-game sweep of Portland during the last week of the regular season to squeeze into the playoffs. However, Kamloops won seven of the eight meetings between the teams this season.
Prediction: Kamloops in five games.
Portland (3) vs. Kelowna (6)
Synopsis: Portland fell just short of finishing first in both the league and the conference, and as a result dropped to the No. 3 seed. However, the Winterhawks meet a Kelowna team that has been drifting aimlessly since being assured of the No. 6 seed seemingly two months ago.
Prediction: Portland in four games.
Vancouver (4) vs. Spokane (5)
Synopsis: This is a series that features two 500-win coaches — Vancouver’s Don Hay and Spokane’s Don Nachbaur — and two teams separated by a single point in the standings. However, Vancouver’s loss of stalwart defenseman David Musil to injury is devastating.
Prediction: Spokane in five games.
Eastern Conference
Edmonton (1) vs. Kootenay (8)
Synopsis: Edmonton was the league’s hottest team at the end of the regular season, winning its final 11 to finish with the league’s best record. Meanwhile, defending league champion Kootenay was ice cold heading into the postseason. Ice goaltender Nathan Lieuwen can steal a game, but that’s about it.
Prediction: Edmonton in five games.
Moose Jaw (2) vs. Regina (7)
Synopsis: The closest geographic rivals in the Eastern Conference haven’t met in the playoffs since 2004. Despite the difference in seedings, the teams were dead even head-to-head during the regular season. However, now Moose Jaw can put its full focus toward slowing Jordan Weal.
Prediction: Moose Jaw in six games.
Calgary (3) vs. Brandon (6)
Synopsis: Calgary was one of this season’s surprise teams, and the Hitmen rallied late to climb into the No. 3 spot. But Brandon, which underachieved during the regular season, has star power and playoff experience.
Prediction: Brandon in seven games.
Medicine Hat (4) vs. Saskatoon (5)
Synopsis: Two of the Eastern Conference’s traditional powers meet in the first round. It’ll be Medicine Hat’s star power versus Saskatoon’s depth. The Tigers, with the conference’s best goal scorer (Emerson Etem) and goaltender (Tyler Bunz), should be too much for the Blades.
Prediction: Medicine Hat in six games.
Nick Patterson covers the WHL for The Herald.
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