Quote:
Originally Posted by Red John
3rd round is basically set.
First of all, nice to see the Royals and their dirtbag coach out of the playoffs. Looks good on them to be laughed out of the rink.
Rockets seem to have flipped a switch in the playoffs...halfway there and only one loss, in OT. Helps that they're finally getting healthy. Josh Morrissey returned to the lineup tonight and had 5 points. Wow. A likely rematch with Portland awaits...
...Say what you want about Portland and their cheating tactics but to be in the final four for a 4th straight year is impressive if not almost unheard of in junior hockey. They won't be favourites against Kelowna but still.
Glad to see the Hitmen play Brandon. Don't think they have what it takes to win but hopefully they do. Brandon is weak defensively and can be exploited but doubt Shields and co. can shut down that scoring attack. Hitmen are perennial bridesmaids so not expecting too much but perhaps they can take advantage of the WK's inexperience much like Portland did to a superior Kelowna team last year.
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I wouldn't be surprised to see Calgary beat Brandon if the Wheat Kings can't get healthy in time for the start of the series. With Klimchuk being made of glass and a risk to go down at anytime, 139 points from Bukarts/Hawryluk on the shelf, and Waltz/Pilon missing on the backend, it could be a tremendous struggle for the Wheat Kings to knock Calgary out.
Despite what Red John said above, the D/goaltending has been really, really solid in the playoffs thus far. I'm not saying they can't/won't be exploited at times but they will be better than most think.
It's going to come down to whether the younger kids (it feels like the entire WK team has been nothing but kids for the last 3 years now) can continue to fill in with timely goals while the veterans are out. Patrick/Kaspick have pitched in so far with OT winners, that will need to continue if they remain in the lineup.
Should be a fun one.