Welcome to another game day preview that we will run for the duration of the playoffs. We will take a look at matchups throughout the playoffs and focus in on some players who have made an impact in their series.
Medicine Hat looks to close out their first round match-up with Brandon.
Last night the Tigers were able to seal the game with a strong 3rd period, taking a game tied at two after 40 minutes and exploding for three goals in the final 20. Medicine Hat would like to head home with a few days rest following the lengthy drive to and from Dauphin, Manitoba (~825km). Defenseman David Quenneville is 2nd in WHL Playoff Scoring with 8 points. Joining him among the league leaders is Mark Rassell with 4 goals, tying him with Sam Steel for number one. The Wheat Kings are in tough against a potent Tigers squad, coming back from a 3-0 series deficit looks to be all but impossible. Wheat Kings goaltender Logan Thompson has face a barrage of shots through the first three games stopping 124 of 140 (.886 save percentage). Nolan Patrick has still not competed in the playoffs for the Wheat Kings, his offensive presence is missed.
Swift Current needs to return to form against a tough Moose Jaw team, down 2-1 in the series.
The hits have been coming fast and furious in the series thus far. Swift Current has relied upon Jordan Papirny to keep the games close, he has faced 115 shots and has stopped 109 of them for the highest save percentage among goalies playing more than 20 minutes (.948%). All three contests have been close, the opening game having been decided by the largest margin of two. Late season acquisition Thomas Foster leads the teams in goals with three, he has been arguably the surprise deal of this year’s trade window. Surprisingly Aleksi Heponiemi has not contributed to his regular season numbers, look for him to break out with a big game in this one.
Could we see the return of Adam Musil as the series shifts to Red Deer?
There has been some buzz in Red Deer of late that Adam Musil might be close to returning to the Rebels lineup. As captain of the team he has been sorely missed. He will be somewhat rested and could provide a boost to the team. The Rebels are happy to have split the first two games in Lethbridge. Georgio Estephan appears to be ok from a high stick late in game two. He was kept out of the rest of the game as a precaution. The Hurricanes power play has been dismal thus far, going 0-for-12. Coach Kisio will be looking for the top producers to get organized and exploit the Rebels penchant for taking penalties, especially untimely ones.
Ingram puts the Blazers back in a position to make the series closer, Rockets up 2-1.
Conner Ingram made 37 saves on route to a 4-1 win over the Rockets last night. His play in this series has been very good, boasting a .935 save percentage and a 2.68 goals against average. Michael Herringer has also been up to the task, he has a 2.00 goals against average and a .932 save percentage. Dillon Dube and Carsen Twarynski of the Rockets lead both teams in scoring with two goals and an assist a piece. Kamloops will be looking to add more offense from Rudolfs Balcers and Lane Bauer if they hope to tie up the series tonight.
Teams tied at 1 win a piece make the long trek to Portland for game three.
It would appear as though this was a tale of two games. Portland walked into the CN Centre and won the series opener in grand fashion. Two nights later Prince George looked like the dominant team that won the BC Division. Three of Portland’s five goals have come on the power play. As expected Keegan Iverson has lead the charge for the Winterhawks with a goal and an assist. On the Cougars side Aaron Boyd has two goals and there are frou other players on the roster with two points a piece. One has to wonder how much the travel will effect the teams as a one way trip from Portland to Prince George is 1,178 kilometres (732 miles). Ty Edmonds has posted a .947 save percentage, good enough for second in WHL goaltending statistics.
Can the Royals find an answer to Bajkov and Zwerger?
In past seasons and even throughout the regular season fans expected Carter Hart and the Everett defense to shut down teams and not take penalties. Now they have to worry about the duo of Dominic Zwerger and Patrick Bajkov who are tied for second overall in playoff scoring with seven points each. Victoria has to hope that Jack Walker’s absence last night is only a minor issue and he can suit up tonight. Griffen Outhouse has struggled in the post season with just a .866 save percentage and 3.02 goals against average.
Down two games to none, will Tri-City solve rookie goaltender Carl Stankowski?
The Seattle Thunderbirds have dealt with missing players and injuries all season long. There have been very few games that they were capable of icing an entire lineup, even playing under the minimum for a handful of games. The playoffs have been much the same as they have missed starting goaltender Rylan Toth and captain Matthew Barzal. Barzal was seen around the rink in Seattle after game two and it wouldn’t be a stretch to see him in the lineup for tonight’s game. No word yet on Rylan Toth but worry not, Carl Stankowski has been outstanding in his playoff debut. He’s 2nd in goals against average at 2.00 and 5th in save percentage at .938. The Americans are going to need some stellar goaltending themselves, Rylan Parenteau is the type of goalie that can steal a game for you. Their scoring has been done by committee so far in the playoffs they are going to want to see 20-year-old forward Tyler Sandhu step up and get more from Jusso Valimaki
