As promised, here are my playoff predictions, written a day before the playoffs were to get under way.
Winnipeg South Blues vs. Winnipeg Saints – Before the trade deadline, I would have called this a toss up. After the deadline, I have to go with the Saints. When they acquired Justin Leclerc, it was a game changer in the Addison Division. He’s 11-2 since joining the Saints. The Blues are well coached, but the Saints have depth they can’t compete with.
Prediction – Saints in five.
Winkler Flyers vs. Selkirk Steelers – Neither of these teams played particularly well heading into the playoffs, but something’s got to give here. Selkirk has the league’s MVP in Taylor Dickin, and both teams have netminders who were up for goalie of the year (Peter Alexander for the Winkler Flyers and Joey Rewucki of Selkirk Steelers). Selkirk’s not the overwhelming power they are accustomed to being, and some say they are a little soft. If this series goes deep, it could be Winkler’s year.
Prediction – Flyers in seven.
Neepawa Natives vs. Dauphin Kings – One team is highly talented, built to win a national championship. The other doesn’t care, and judging by their penalty total this year, are ready to make Dauphin pay for every goal in this series. Dauphin should win based on their netminding and scoring prowess, but the Natives could make this a series if they get Dauphin off their game. The downside to playing tough, aggressive hockey is that Neepawa could give Dauphin more power-play chances.
Prediction – Dauphin in five.
Swan Valley Stampeders vs. Portage Terriers – The Stampeders blew their chance for home ice advantage in this series, but perhaps that works in their favour a bit, as the pressure to win switches to Portage. Swan Valley has always played Portage tough in the playoffs, especially as the underdog. Though Portage finished on a tear, they’re not the overwhelming favourite in this series. There’s such a thing a peaking too early, and the long layoff probably didn’t help Portage. Is this Swan Valley’s year? If not this year, when will they win another playoff round?
Prediction – Stampeders in seven.
Take those pics for what they’re worth – just one man’s opinion.