2011 WHL PLAYOFFS PREVIEW
CALGARY, AB — The quest for Western Hockey League supremacy and a chance to compete in the 2011 MasterCard Memorial Cup in Mississauga, ON, begins as the 2011 WHL Playoffs kick off on Friday, March 25th.
The Saskatoon Blades were the top team in the Eastern Conference and the entire WHL during the regular season. Can they keep their dominant campaign going deep into the spring? The Portland Winterhawks prevailed in an exciting battle with the Spokane Chiefs to take first place in the U.S. Division and Western Conference. Can the Winterhawks’ star-studded lineup put together a long playoff run in 2011? Or can Tyler Johnson’s Chiefs parlay their impressive regular season into post-season glory?
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Darcy Kuemper helped the Red Deer Rebels capture their first Central Division crown for the first time since the 2002-03 season. Can they help the Rebels make some noise in the post-season? The Kelowna Rockets unseated the Vancouver Giants for the B.C. Division title, ending Vancouver’s run of five straight division crowns. Do the Rockets have what it takes to topple the Western Conference heavyweights?
What about the surging Brandon Wheat Kings? Last year’s Memorial Cup hosts recovered from a tough start to the season, and are rolling along nicely at just the right time of the year. What about the Tri-City Americans? Last year’s Western Conference champions will be looking to get back to the final for another shot at the Ed Chynoweth Cup.
Here’s a look at the first-round Husky WHL Eastern and Western Conference Quarter-Final match-ups.
HUSKY WHL EASTERN CONFERENCE
(1) SASKATOON BLADES vs (8) PRINCE ALBERT RAIDERS
2010-11 regular-season record: (W-L-OTL-SOL, PTS)
Saskatoon: 56-13-1-2, 115pts (L10: 9-0-1-0)
Prince Albert: 31-36-2-3, 67pts (L10: 6-4-0-0)
2010-11 head-to-head record:
Saskatoon: 7-1-0-0, 14pts
Prince Albert: 1-7-0-0, 2pts
2010-11 head-to-head top scorers:
Saskatoon:
Josh Nicholls 8gp-5g-6a-11pts
Chris Collins 7gp-3g-6a-9pts
Prince Albert:
Brandon Herrod 8gp-8g-2a-10pts
Mark McNeill 8gp-2g-5a-7pts
The Saskatoon Blades and Prince Albert Raiders meet up in the WHL playoffs for the first time since 2004-05. Kyle Chipchura and the Prince Albert Raiders swept Mike Green and the Saskatoon Blades 4-0 in the opening round of the 2005 WHL playoffs.
The Blades are making their third straight appearance in the WHL playoffs, and come into the 2011 post-season as the top team in the WHL, having posted the eighth highest point total in WHL history. Brayden Schenn, Curtis Hamilton, Stefan Elliott and Josh Nicholls lead a Blades’ offense that tied for the League lead in goals. With five 30-goal scorers and 10 players who topped the 40-point mark, offensive depth is a strength for the Scotty Munro Memorial trophy winners. Though their penalty killing unit only ranked sixth in the WHL, the Blades generated a whopping 22 shorthanded goals this season, showing how dangerous they can be when a man down. Elliott is an offensive force from the blue line, but has also factored heavily into a Blades’ defense corps that ranked among the top 5 in the WHL and finished with a combined +177 rating. Steven Stanford won 40 of his 48 appearances in the Blades’ net this season. He and Adam Morrison form a very strong duo in the Blades’ crease.
The Raiders are back in the post-season for the first time since the 2006-07 season. Up front, veteran Jonathan Parker’s 45 goals led the way for the Raiders, while Mark McNeill, a top NHL draft prospect for 2011, broke out for 32 goals and 81 points. Four other Raiders topped the 20-goal plateau, so offensive depth is there. Yet, scoring goals versus the Blades has been a challenge. Though the Raiders scored 19 goals in eight games versus Saskatoon this season, they were held to two goals or less five times. Defensively, the Raiders allowed the highest number of goals of any playoff team. Antoine Corbin and the Raiders’ defense corps will have to find a way to slow up a Blades attack that scored 37 times in eight head-to-head meetings. Veteran netminder Jamie Tucker has returned after missing most of February. However, the Raiders could also turn to rookie Eric Williams, who performed admirably in his 40 appearances this season. Neither Tucker nor Williams have any playoff experience.
Series Schedule (All Start Times Local)
#1 – Prince Albert @ Saskatoon; Saturday, March 26 (7:05pm)
#2 – Prince Albert @ Saskatoon; Sunday, March 27 (6:05pm)
#3 – Saskatoon @ Prince Albert; Wednesday, March 30 (7:00pm)
#4 – Saskatoon @ Prince Albert; Thursday, March 31 (7:00pm)
#5 – Prince Albert @ Saskatoon; Saturday, April 2 (7:05pm)**
#6 – Saskatoon @ Prince Albert; Sunday, April 3 (7:00pm**
#7 – Prince Albert @ Saskatoon; Tuesday, April 5 (7:05pm)**
**If Necessary
(2) RED DEER REBELS vs (7) EDMONTON OIL KINGS
2010-11 regular-season record:
Red Deer: 48-16-4-4, 104pts (L10: 7-2-1-0)
Edmonton: 31-34-2-5, 69pts (L10: 4-6-0-0)
2010-11 head-to-head record:
Red Deer: 5-1-0-0, 10pts
Edmonton: 1-5-0-0, 2pts
2010-11 head-to-head top scorers:
Red Deer:
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins: 6gp-6g-3a-9pts
Andrej Kudrna: 6gp-4g-5a-9pts
Edmonton:
Jordan Hickmott: 6gp-0g-4a-4pts
Dylan Wruck: 5gp-3g-0a-3pts
The Red Deer Rebels meet the Edmonton Oil Kings for their first ever WHL playoff series.
The Rebels are making their second straight playoff appearance, and come into the 2011 WHL playoffs as Central Division champions. An offense highlighted by phenom Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has shown the ability to put up goals, especially over the final few weeks of the season. A superb playmaker, Nugent-Hopkins has displayed a sniper’s touch recently, scoring 17 of his 31 goals over the final 20 games of the season. Having the WHL’s fifth-best power play has also helped the Rebels’ attack. Defense and goaltending have been the hallmarks of the Rebels’ success. The Rebels allowed 34 fewer goals than any other team in the League, and boasted the second-ranked penalty killing. Colin Archer, Alex Petrovic and exciting rookie Matt Dumba led a defense corps that was a combined +162 this season. Goaltender Darcy Kuemper led all WHL netminders in GAA, save percentage and wins, and tied the WHL record with a whopping 13 shutouts this season.
The Oil Kings are making their second appearance in the WHL playoffs in their four-year existence. A young, talented group of players helped the Oil Kings to their best showing since rejoining the WHL in 2007-08. Dylan Wruck and Michael St. Croix both enjoyed tremendous offensive success in their sophomore seasons while veterans Jordan Hickmott and T.J. Foster also enjoyed productive seasons. The Oil Kings only scored nine goals in six meetings with Red Deer, though, and will have to find a way to put more pucks past Darcy Kuemper if they are to upset League’s best defensive team. Captain Mark Pysyk enjoyed his best season yet, notching 40 points and finishing with a +29 rating. He and Keegan Lowe will have to find a way to stop Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, who averaged a goal per game versus Edmonton this season. Veteran goaltender Jon Groenheyde has two games of playoff experience from his time in Kamloops. Yet, rookie Laurent Brossoit has seen more action over the last half of the season.
Series Schedule
#1 – Edmonton @ Red Deer; Friday, March 25 (7:30pm)
#2 – Edmonton @ Red Deer; Saturday, March 26 (7:30pm)
#3 – Red Deer @ Edmonton; Monday, March 28 (7:00 pm)
#4 – Red Deer @ Edmonton; Thursday, March 31 (7:00pm)
#5 – Edmonton @ Red Deer; Saturday, April 2 (7:30pm)**
#6 – Red Deer @ Edmonton; Monday, April 4 (7:00pm)**
#7 – Edmonton @ Red Deer; Wednesday, April 6 (7:00pm)**
(3) MEDICINE HAT TIGERS vs (6) BRANDON WHEAT KINGS
2010-11 regular-season record:
Medicine Hat: 46-18-4-4, 100pts (L10: 8-1-0-1)
Brandon: 32-31-1-8, 73pts (L10: 7-2-0-1)
2010-11 head-to-head record:
Medicine Hat: 2-1-1-0, 5pts
Brandon: 2-2-0-0, 4pts
2010-11 head-to-head top scorers:
Medicine Hat:
Linden Vey 4gp-5g-3a-8pts
Wacey Hamilton 4gp-2g-6a-8pts
Brandon:
Mark Stone 4gp-3g-4a-7pts
Michael Ferland 4gp-4g-2a-6pts
The Medicine Hat Tigers and Brandon Wheat Kings meet up for their second playoff series in the last three seasons. Matt Calvert and the Wheat Kings swept Tyler Ennis and the Medicine Hat Tigers 4-0 in the second round of the 2009 WHL playoffs.
The Tigers are making their ninth straight appearance in the WHL playoffs, having advanced to the second round or beyond in seven of their last eight playoff campaigns. WHL scoring king Linden Vey, veteran Wacey Hamilton and speedy Anaheim Ducks prospect Emerson Etem lead the Tigers’ attack. The three combined for 111 goals and 269 points this season as the Tigers finished with the eighth most goals in the League. Losing Edmonton Oilers prospect Tyler Pitlick has been a blow to the Tigers’ offense. However, depth lies in the form of rookie Hunter Shinkaruk, who led all 16-year-olds in the Eastern Conference in scoring, and trade deadline acquisition Kellan Tochkin. Defense has been a strong point for the Tigers, who own the third-best goals-against and the seventh-ranked penalty killing unit. Tyler Bunz is among the top netminders in the WHL in several statistical categories. Bunz has shown he can up his level of play in the post-season, too. He’ll need to be at his best to stop a potent Wheat Kings’ offense.
The Wheat Kings recovered from a rough start to the 2010-22 season by putting together a terrific second half, and consequently are making their 11th consecutive playoff appearance. Offense has carried the Wheat Kings all season. The fifth-highest scoring team in the WHL, the Wheat Kings boast seven players with 20 or more goals and six with 50 or more points. Plus, they own the third-ranked power play in the WHL. With an offense to match the Tigers, the Wheat Kings will need to focus on defense if they want to slow down the speedy Medicine Hat outfit. Brodie Melnychuk heads up a defense corps that features five rookies, including impressive 16-year-old Ryan Pulock. Short on post-season experience, the Wheat Kings’ defense corps will need to learn fast if they are to prevail against the Tigers. Rookies Corbin Boes and Liam Liston form the Wheat Kings’ goaltending tandem. Both have performed well for their first year in the WHL, but neither have a minute of WHL playoff experience.
Series Schedule
#1 – Brandon @ Medicine Hat; Friday, March 25 (7:30pm)
#2 – Brandon @ Medicine Hat; Saturday, March 26 (7:30pm)
#3 – Medicine Hat @ Brandon; Monday, March 28 (7:30pm) In Winnipeg
#4 – Medicine Hat @ Brandon; Thursday, March 31 (7:30pm) In Winnipeg
#5 – Brandon @ Medicine Hat; Saturday, April 2 (7:30pm)**
#6 – Medicine Hat @ Brandon; Monday, April 4 (7:30pm)** In Winnipeg
#7 – Brandon @ Medicine Hat; Wednesday, April 6 (7:00pm)**
(4) KOOTENAY ICE vs (5) MOOSE JAW WARRIORS
2010-11 regular-season record:
Kootenay: 46-21-1-4, 97pts (L10: 6-3-0-1)
Moose Jaw: 40-26-2-4, 86pts (L10: 6-3-0-1)
2010-11 head-to-head record:
Kootenay: 2-2-0-0, 4pts
Moose Jaw: 2-2-0-0, 4pts
2010-11 head-to-head top scorers:
Kootenay:
Cody Eakin 3gp-3g-5a-8pts
Joe Antilla 4gp-2g-4a-6pts
Moose Jaw:
Dylan Hood 4gp-3g-4a-7pts
Spencer Edwards 4gp-3g-3a-6pts
The Kootenay Ice and Moose Jaw Warriors meet up in the post-season for the first time since the 2000-01 season. Jarret Stoll and the Kootenay Ice swept Brian Sutherby and the Moose Jaw Warriors 4-0 in the opening round of the 2001 WHL playoffs.
The Ice are making their 13th consecutive playoff appearance after posting their 12th straight season with a record above .500. Kootenay has enjoyed success this season with a blend of potent offense and strong defense. Led by Max Reinhart, Matt Fraser, Kevin King and marquee trade deadline acquisition Cody Eakin, the Ice scored the sixth most goals in the WHL this season and owned the seventh-ranked power play. Offensive depth is there for the Ice, with 11 players having topped the 11-goal mark this season. Brayden McNabb has anchored the WHL’s sixth-best defense while also providing plenty of offense from the blue line. Though their penalty killing unit ranked 11th in the WHL this season, the Ice were a serious threat while shorthanded, having tallied 20 times while a man down this season. Kootenay’s defense will have their hands full with a big and strong group of Moose Jaw forwards. Nathan Lieuwen performed well in his first season as the No. 1 goalie in Cranbrook. He’ll need to find another level of play to shut down the Warriors’ top guns.
The Warriors are making their second straight post-season appearance. Led by Canadian National Junior team star Quinton Howden, the Warriors’ offense ranked 12th in the WHL this season. Howden’s 40 goals led the team while veteran Dylan Hood led the Warriors with 83 points. The Warriors boast five players who topped the 20-goal mark, but only three others who topped the 10-goal plateau. Generating offense on the road will be crucial for the Warriors, who scored only two goals in two games versus Kootenay in Cranbrook this season. Veterans Dylan McIlrath and Collin Bowman anchored the WHL’s 10th-ranked defense this season and helped the team to the ninth-best penalty killing success rating. Bowman, the Warriors’ offensive leader from the blue line, has plenty playoff experience from his time in Kelowna. Aside from him, only McIlrath and Kendall McFaull have any playoff seasoning. Goaltender Thomas Heemskerk was a workhorse for the Warriors in net this season, appearing in 65 of 72 games. His veteran presence will be key in helping guide a defense corps that is thin on playoff experience.
Series Schedule
#1 – Moose Jaw @ Kootenay; Friday, March 25 (7:00pm)
#2 – Moose Jaw @ Kootenay; Saturday, March 26 (7:00pm)
#3 – Kootenay @ Moose Jaw; Tuesday, March 29 (7:00pm)
#4 – Kootenay @ Moose Jaw; Wednesday, March 30 (7:00pm)
#5 – Moose Jaw @ Kootenay; Friday, April 1 (7:00pm)**
#6 – Kootenay @ Moose Jaw; Sunday, April 3 (7:00pm)**
#7 – Moose Jaw @ Kootenay; Tuesday, April 5 (7:00pm)**
KAL TIRE WHL WESTERN CONFERENCE
(1) PORTLAND WINTERHAWKS vs (8) EVERETT SILVERTIPS
2010-11 regular-season record:
Portland: 50-19-0-3, 103pts (L10: 8-2-0-0)
Everett: 28-33-7-4, 67pts (L10: 1-7-2-0)
2010-11 head-to-head record:
Portland: 9-1-0-0, 18pts
Everett: 1-7-1-1, 4pts
2010-11 head-to-head top scorers:
Portland:
Ryan Johansen 10gp-6g-8a-14pts
Oliver Gabriel 5gp-5g-4a-9pts
Everett:
Ryan Murray 10gp-1g-7a-8pts
Chad Suer 7gp-0g-5a-5pts
The Portland Winterhawks and Everett Silvertips meet up in the playoffs for the first time since the 2004-05 season. Zach Hamill and the Silvertips defeated Braydon Coburn and the Winterhawks 4-3 in the first round of the 2005 WHL playoffs.
The Winterhawks are back in the post-season for a second straight, and enter the playoffs on the back of their most successful season since winning the WHL title and the Memorial Cup in 1997-98. A high-octane offense has been Portland’s hallmark this season. With stars like Ryan Johansen, Nino Niederreiter and Craig Cunningham leading the way, the Hawks were able to out-gun their opponents on most nights. The team also boasts plenty of offensive depth, with 11 players who topped the 10-goal mark. Defensively, the Hawks ranked ninth among WHL Clubs in goals against, but owned the WHL’s fourth-best penalty kill. Having lost towering Brett Ponich for the year, it’s been up to the likes of Troy Rutkowski, William Wrenn and Taylor Aronson to help steady the blue line. They will need to pay attention to snipers like Tyler Maxwell and Landon Ferraro to limit the ‘Tips’ offensive chances. Mac Carruth and Keith Hamilton performed well in the Hawks’ net, but both got used to facing plenty of shots. The Hawks hope Carruth will be ready for the post-season after missing most of March with an injury.
The Silvertips have made the playoffs in each of their eight seasons since joining the WHL in 2003-04. Considered a possible contender for a U.S. Division title at the start of the season, the ‘Tips struggled through the season’s second half and snuck into the playoffs on the final weekend of play. Offensively, only the Calgary Hitmen scored fewer goals than the Silvertips. Tyler Maxwell’s 41 goals represented just under 24% of the ‘Tips’ entire offensive output. More will be needed from players like Landon Ferraro, Josh Birkholz and Ryan Harrison if the ‘Tips want to compete with Portland’s powerful offense. Defense has been a strength for the ‘Tips, who allowed the sixth-fewest number of goals in the entire WHL. 17-year-old Ryan Murray continues his rise to stardom, leading the ‘Tips’ defense corps in offense and with an impressive +18 rating. He, along with veterans Brennan Yadlowski and Chad Suer, will be charged with shutting down Portland’s star forwards. In Kent Simpson, the ‘Tips boast one of the WHL’s best goaltenders. The Silvertips hope he recovers from a late-season injury to be ready for the Winterhawks.
Series Schedule (All Start Times Local)
#1 – Everett @ Portland; Saturday, March 26 (7:00pm)
#2 – Everett @ Portland; Sunday, March 27 (5:00pm)
#3 – Portland @ Everett; Wednesday, March 30 (7:05pm)
#4 – Portland @ Everett; Thursday, March 31 (7:05pm)
#5 – Everett @ Portland; Saturday, April 2 (7:00pm) **
#6 – Portland @ Everett; Monday, April 4 (7:05pm) **
#7 – Everett @ Portland; Wednesday, April 6 (7:00pm) **
(2) KELOWNA ROCKETS vs (7) PRINCE GEORGE COUGARS
2010-11 regular-season record:
Kelowna: 43-28-0-1, 88pts (L10: 7-3-0-0)
Prince George: 33-35-2-2, 70pts (L10: 5-4-0-1)
2010-11 head-to-head record:
Kelowna: 6-3-0-0, 12pts
Prince George: 3-5-1-0, 7pts
2010-11 head-to-head top scorers:
Kelowna:
Tyson Barrie 9gp-1g-10a-11pts
Mitchell Callahan 7gp-4g-5a-9pts
Prince George:
Nick Buonassisi 9gp-2g-6a-8pts
Brett Connolly 8gp-4g-3a-7pts
The Kelowna Rockets and Prince George Cougars meet up for a playoff series for the first time since the 1999-00 season. Blair Betts and the Cougars defeated Vern Fiddler and the Rockets 4-1 in the first round of the 2000 WHL playoffs.
The Rockets are making their fourth straight playoff appearance, and enter the post-season as the B.C. Division champs. Kelowna has advanced to at least the second round of the playoffs in seven of their last eight playoff appearances. The Rockets finished in the middle of the pack offensively this season with the 13th-most goals of any WHL club. Led by Geordie Wudrick’s 43 goals, the Rockets boast five players who topped the 20-goal mark and another five who topped the 10-goal mark. Veterans Mitch Callahan and Evan Bloodoff have extensive playoff experience while rookies Colton Scissons and Zach Franko will look to follow up their impressive seasons with strong post-season performances. On the Back end, the Rockets own the WHL’s third-best defense and the third-ranked penalty killing unit. Tyson Barrie and Co. will need to find the level of play that helped the Rockets hold the Cougars to two or fewer goals in five of nine regular-season encounters. With Adam Brown manning the crease, the Rockets have one of the best in the WHL. Brown has WHL playoff and Memorial Cup experience to fall back on.
The Cougars climbed their way back into the post-season after missing out last year. While Brett Connolly remains the heart & soul of the team, the Cougars got big performances from key acquisition in the off-season and early in the season. Charles Inglis, a former Saskatoon Blade, enjoyed his most productive season, scoring 32 goals, while Taylor Stefishen notched 24 goals for the Cougars after leaving the NCAA in the off-season. Both will need to maintain their production in the playoff. Defensively, the Cougars ranked 16th in goals against, but own the WHL’s fifth-best penalty killing unit. Sena Acolatse, another former Blade, and Slovakian rookie Martin Marincin combined for 29 goals and 119 points from the blue line this season. They will need to step up their defensive play if they are to shut down Kelowna’s offensive stars. Veteran James Priestner has some modest post-season experience in goal from his time in Brandon. However, rookie Ty Rimmer – another former Wheat King – has taken on most of the workload over the season’s second half, performing well.
Series Schedule
#1 – Prince George @ Kelowna; Friday, March 25 (7:05pm)
#2 – Prince George @ Kelowna; Saturday, March 26 (7:05pm)
#3 – Kelowna @ Prince George; Tuesday, March 29 (7:00pm)
#4 – Kelowna @ Prince George, Wednesday, March 30 (7:00pm)
#5 – Prince George @ Kelowna; Friday, April 1 (7:05pm)**
#6 – Kelowna @ Prince George; Sunday, April 3 (5:00pm)**
#7 – Prince George @ Kelowna; Tuesday, April 5 (7:05pm)**
(3) SPOKANE CHIEFS vs (6) CHILLIWACK BRUINS
2010-11 regular-season record:
Spokane: 48-18-4-2, 102pts (L10: 9-1-0-0)
Chilliwack: 33-31-4-4, 74pts (L10: 6-1-2-1)
2010-11 head-to-head record:
Spokane: 3-1-0-0, 6pts
Chilliwack: 1-2-0-1, 3pts
2010-11 head-to-head top scorers:
Spokane:
Steve Kuhn 4gp-2g-3a-5pts
Brenden Kichton 3gp-1g-4a-5pts
Chilliwack:
Ryan Howse 4gp-2g-2a-4pts
Brandon Manning 4gp-1g-2a-3pts
The Spokane Chiefs meet the Chilliwack Bruins for the first playoff series between the teams.
The Chiefs will see playoff action for a fifth straight season, and enter the 2011 post-season having posted 45 or more wins for a fourth straight year. This season’s Chiefs were equal parts dynamic offense and stifling defense. Tied for first in goals and ranking second in goals against, the Chiefs tallied 117 more goals than they allowed this season for the biggest goal differential in the WHL. Tyler Johnson’s 53 goals led the WHL. However, the Chiefs’ offensive success included receiving 20 or more goals from eight different players, indicative of their offensive depth. Owning the WHL’s top-ranked power play will help the Chiefs in the post-season against a Bruins’ penalty killing unit that ranked in the bottom half of the League. Jared Cowen and Brenden Kichton led the Chiefs to the second-best defensive record and the WHL’s best penalty killing unit. They will need to be sharp to shut down 50-goal man Ryan Howse and the Bruins’ potent power play. James Reid has recovered from an injury to man the crease for the Chiefs. Reid allowed only four goals in three games versus Chilliwack this season.
The Bruins are making their fourth playoff appearance in their five-year existence. With Ryan Howse netting 51 markers while leading the WHL’s fifth-ranked power play, the Bruins set a franchise record for offensive production. Roman Horak, Kevin Sundher, Robin Soudek and Brandon Manning all topped the 20-goal mark while Jamie Crooks scored 19 times. After that, the offense trails off for the Bruins. More will be needed from players like Dylen McKinlay and rookie Brandon Magee if they are to upend the Chiefs. Manning tied for fourth among WHL defensemen with 21 goals, proving he can contribute to the offense. However, the Bruins will need to bear down in their own zone to shut down the WHL’s top offense and power play. Goaltender Lucas Gore turned in a string of outstanding efforts down the stretch to get the Bruins into the post-season. He’ll need to be equally good in the playoffs for his team to stand a chance. The Bruins have only won once in 10 trips to Spokane – something that will need to change if they are to advance.
Series Schedule
#1 – Spokane @ Chilliwack; Friday, March 25 (7:30pm)
#2 – Spokane @ Chilliwack; Saturday, March 26 (7:00pm)
#3 – Chilliwack @ Spokane; Wednesday, March 30 (7:00pm)
#4 – Chilliwack @ Spokane; Thursday, March 31 (7:00pm)
#5 – Chilliwack @ Spokane; Saturday, April 2 (7:00pm)**
#6 – Spokane @ Chilliwack; Sunday, April 3 (5:00pm)**
#7 – Chilliwack @ Spokane; Tuesday, April 5 (7:00pm)**
(4) TRI-CITY AMERICANS vs (5) VANCOUVER GIANTS
2010-11 regular-season record:
Tri-City: 44-22-2-2, 92pts (L10: 7-3-0-0)
Vancouver: 35-32-1-4, 75pts (L10: 2-8-0-0)
2010-11 head-to-head record:
Tri-City: 3-1-0-0, 6pts
Vancouver: 1-3-0-0, 2pts
2010-11 head-to-head top scorers:
Tri-City:
Brendan Shinnimin 4gp-5g-4a-9pts
Carter Ashton 4gp-2g-6a-8pts
Vancouver:
Brendan Gallagher 4gp-2g-2a-4pts
Michael Burns 3gp-3g-0a-3pts
The Tri-City Americans and Vancouver Giants meet up in the playoffs for a second straight year. Johnny Lazo and the Americans defeated Lance Bouma and the Giants 4-2 in the 2010 Kal Tire Western Conference Championship series.
The Americans are in the playoffs for an eighth straight season, and have advanced to at least the second round in each of the last three seasons. As they have been for the last few years, the Americans are a strong offensive team with plenty of skill and speed up front. Brendan Shinnimin heads up a forward contingent that features seven players who topped the 20-goal mark. Carter Ashton, acquired from Regina in December, has been terrific for the Ams, providing some size and power to a smaller-sized group up front while helping the team to the second-best power play. The Ams also boast plenty of playoff experience to draw upon up front and on the blue line. Tyler Schmidt enjoyed his most offensively productive season from the blue line and, with 52 post-season games under his belt, is no stranger to the intensity of the playoffs. The addition of Matt MacKenzie from Calgary adds WHL-championship pedigree to the Ams’ defense corps. Goaltender Drew Owsley enjoyed another excellent season between the pipes for the Americans. Owsley has shown he can up his play during playoff time.
The Giants are in the playoffs for a ninth straight season, and have advanced to at least the second round in each of the last five seasons. This year, however, the Giants are in unfamiliar territory as the underdog, having been usurped by Kelowna for the B.C. Division title. Up front, the Giants will lean heavily on Brendan Gallagher and Spencer Bennett, who combined for 81 of the team’s 236 goals this season. Aside from Gallagher and Bennett, only Neil Manning, Brendan Rowinski and Michael Burns topped the 15-goal mark. Injuries have definitely played a role in the Giants’ descent from the top of the Western Conference. On the back end, the perennially stingy Giants slipped to 11th in team defense, while their penalty killing unit slid to 16th in the WHL. Manning and the Giants’ depleted defense corps will need to find a way to stop the Americans’ offense, which scored 19 times in four head-to-head meetings this season. Mark Segal won just three of his final 12 starts down the stretch as the Giants battled adversity. He shut out the Ams in the lone Giants’ victory in the season series.
Series Schedule
#1 – Vancouver @ Tri-City; Friday, March 25 (7:05pm)
#2 – Vancouver @ Tri-City; Saturday, March 26 (7:05pm)
#3 – Tri-City @ Vancouver; Tuesday, March 29 (7:00pm)
#4 – Tri-City @ Vancouver; Wednesday, March 30 (7:00pm)
#5 – Vancouver @ Tri-City; Friday, April 1 (7:05pm)**
#6 – Tri-City @ Vancouver; Saturday, April 2 (7:00pm)**
#7 – Vancouver @ Tri-City; Tuesday, April 5 (7:05pm)**
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