The Hitmen were really let down by their vets. Bubnick in particular did nothing all series outside of a couple bonehead penalties early in game one. Gogolev was really dangerous all series but he's not good enough to carry a team on his back. On defence, there wasn't really anyone who stepped up to anchor the group and they looked shaky all series because of it.
That said, Virtanen impressed the hell out of me. I loved the way he stood up for himself and gave back as much as he took. Him and Chase are going to be a great pairing for years to come. Even Dreidger, who was extremely shaky, looks like he has a good future and should be fine to lead the team back to the playoffs next season.
From the Brandon perspective, their experience advantage was obvious. Guys like Stone, Melnychuk, Ferland, Ciarelli, Walker, Miller all have Playoff/Memorial Cup experience and know what it's like to play in big games. With Boes as hot as any goalie in Canada right now, I think they'll have a hard fought series with Edmonton. I'd expect every game to be very close.
Go Wheat Kings!
|