Vancouver vs. Tri-City – Round 1 Preview

For the second straight year the Vancouver Giants and Tri-City Americans will square off in the WHL playoffs. Last year the Americans defeated the Giants in 6 games in the Western Conference Final. This marks the 9th straight year the Giants have reached the post season. They have advanced to at least the second round in each of the last five seasons. As for Tri-City, this will be their eight straight apperance in the playoffs and are looking for the franchise’s first ever WHL Championship title after losing in the final to Calgary in 2010.

In 4 meetings this year between Tri-City and Vancouver, the Giants were 1-3-0-0 being outscored 19-9 in the 4 games. Special teams were a big factor during the season series, as the Americans went 8-for-20 on the power play, while the Giants were just 3-for-14. The key to Tri-City’s success this year has been their starts. They outscored Vancouver 8-1 in the first period during their 4 games this year. Overall this season, the Americans led after the opening frame 26 times, going on to win 25 of those games. Offensively it will be a battle of the Brendans. Tri-City’s Shinnimin was a second team Western Conference All-Star finishing 6th in the league in scoring with 34 goals and 96 points. Vancouver’s Gallagher was a first team Western Conference All-Star, racking up career highs in goals, assists, and points with 44 goals, 47 assists, and 91 points.

Vancouver’s All-Time Record Vs. Tri-City Since 2001-02 Season (Regular Season/Playoffs)
20 Wins, 25 Losses, 1 Overtime Loss, 1 Shootout Loss, 3 Ties
Vancouver’s All-Time Record at Vancouver – Pacific Coliseum (Regular Season/Playoffs)
12 Wins, 8 Losses, 1 Overtime Loss, 1 Shootout Loss, 3 Ties
Vancouver’s All-Time Record at Tri-City – Honda Center (Regular Season/Playoffs)
8 Wins, 17 Losses

                                                TALE OF THE TAPE
                       Tri-City Americans                  Vancouver Giants
                                     44-24-2-2  Record  35-32-1-4
                                                 92  Points  75
                                        4th Place  Finish  5th Place
                                              286  Goals For  236
                                          223  Goals Against  251
                                 23.6% (2nd) Power Play  19.2% (13th)
                               78.7% (15th)  Penalty Kil   78.4% (16th)
                  B.Shinnimin (96pts)  Leading Scorer  B.Gallagher (91pts)
                                   D.Owsley       Goalie        M.Segal 
           36-17-1-1 2.77GAA .912SV%             27-18-1-3 3.07 .891SV%

Series Schedule
Game #1 – Vancouver at Tri-City, Friday March 25, 7:05pm
Game #2 – Vancouver at Tri-City, Saturday March 26, 7:05pm
Game #3 – Tri-City at Vancouver, Tuesday March 29, 7:00pm
Game #4 – Tri-City at Vancouver, Wednesday March 30, 7:00pm
Game #5 – Vancouver at Tri-City, Friday April 1, 7:05pm *
Game #6 – Tri-City at Vancouver, Saturday April 2, 7:00pm *
Game #7 – Vancouver at Tri-City, Tuesday April 5, 7:05pm *
* If Necessary