Chapter one in Round 3 has been written with the Edmonton Oil Kings falling to the Prince Albert Raiders by a single goal, and the Vancouver Giants running up the Spokane Chiefs for a 4-1 win.
Both home teams were winners last night, so both higher seeds took 1-0 leads in their respective series.
That’s about as far as the similarities go.
Raiders lead Oil Kings 1-0
The Prince Albert Raiders scored in the middle frame off an Oil Kings defenseman and hung on for the win in a tight checking Game 1 against the Edmonton Oil Kings.
Do we expect the goaltending showcase to continue as this series looks to give the Raiders a run for their money? Or will the offense come alive?
Ian Scott stopped all 26 shots he faced for the shutout, while minus an unfortunate bounce, Dylan Myskiw was perfect stopping 23 of 24 he faced.
Giants lead Chiefs 1-0
On the west coast, the Giants skated a different kind of game.
The G-men struck early and often to take down the Chiefs by a three goal margin. On the front end, the line of Dawson Holt, Owen Hardy, and Jared Dmytriw continued to roll combining for six points in Game 1.
Luc Smith suffered an apparent leg injury early on, and did not return, a major loss for the Chiefs.
Will it be another chapter like last night or will the terrible two’s prevail and flip these series back to even counts.
Only time will tell.