SN's QMJHL Final Predictions

The 2015 President Cup final begins tonight in Rimouski.

This year’s final offers an interesting matchup with the No. 1 seeded Oceanic facing the Memorial Cup hosting Quebec Remparts. Both teams have qualified for the Memorial Cup, which could hurt the intensity level a bit… or it might not.

Here are the SN staff’s predictions for this year’s QMJHL championship final.

Lorne Webster – SN Writer: Rimouski in 6

Since both teams are guaranteed a place in the Memorial Cup, it will be very interesting to see if either team decides to rest/protect their stars in advance of the big dance.

There is no love lost between these two storied franchises. I'm not sure if the fans in Rimouski have ever forgiven GM/head coach Philippe Boucher for jumping ship from the Oceanic to join the Remparts. 

My preseason choice to win the President Cup was Rimouski and their roll through the first three rounds only strengthens my belief in the Oceanic. The Remparts have gotten stronger as the playoffs proceeded... but the Oceanic's overall size and depth will lead to a championship in six games (likely less).

Kevin Chambers – SN Prospect Guru: Rimouski in 7

With both teams qualifying for the Memorial Cup, the bigger question might be how hard are these teams willing to battle for the President Cup. Neither team will want to risk injuries, but that being said, I expect both teams to compete just as hard for the QMJHL's top prize.

Both teams have caught their stride at the right time and have been rolling - the Oceanic have barely blinked losing just a single game throughout the previous three rounds while the Remparts were given a tough first round match up against Cape Breton but haven't lost a single game since.

While both teams have already qualified for the Memorial Cup, this could be a very exciting final and I'm picking this one to go the distance. I'm going to stick with my choice from the start of the playoffs. I think the Oceanic are too strong.

Jamie Tozer – SN Editor: Rimouski in 6

The Remparts have really picked up their game over the past few weeks. Their big guns are contributing on a regular basis and Zach Fucale is playing well. The problems that plagued them in the first round seem to be a thing of the past.

While the Remparts are playing well, the Oceanic have been playing well all post-season. While I think Quebec has proved to be a championship caliber team, I think Rimouski will prove to be too strong.