It's that time.
Here are my predictions for the opening round of the QMJHL playoffs. Keeping with tradition, I've subtracted a game (where possible) from my initial picks because the first round is too often underwhelming entertainment wise. We'll see what happens this year.
Eastern Conference
1. Moncton vs 8. Quebec - Wildcats in 4
The Wildcats carry a 15-game winning streak into the playoffs and I don't see them having many problems with the Remparts. If Quebec can keep any of these games close, I'd consider that a success for them.
2. Rimouski vs 7. Charlottetown - Oceanic in 4
The Oceanic have built a roster worthy of being Memorial Cup hosts. But as we've seen many times, that pressure can do funny things come playoff time. They're playing a Charlottetown team that really turned things around in the second half, but even a team that always plays a playoff style game is going to have a hard time with Rimouski.
3. Chicoutimi vs 6. Acadie-Bathurst - Sagueneens in 6
I think we'd all like to see a magical playoff run by the Titan here (except Chicoutimi, probably) and honestly I could see them finding a way to sneak out a series win here. Hope this is a good series, because the potential is there.
4. Baie-Comeau vs 5. Cape Breton - Eagles in 6
A rematch of a great series from a year ago – but both teams have taken a step back this year. The Drakkar enter the playoffs banged up, and that could be the difference. Expecting this to be a close series again with some great atmospheres.
Western Conference
1. Drummondville vs 8. Halifax - Voltigeurs in 4
The only thing stoping this from being an easy series for Drummondville is Jacob Steinman, who could keep the Mooseheads in some of these games. I could see the Moose giving the Volts are a scare here and there, but nothing more.
2. Rouyn-Noranda vs 7. Gatineau - Huskies in 4
The Huskies finished just four points back of the Voltigeurs for top spot in the conference and scored the second most goals in the QMJHL. They're facing an Olympiques squad that qualified for the playoffs on the final weekend of the season and struggled defensively all year.
3. Shawinigan vs 6. Val-d'Or - Cataractes in 4
The Cataractes, kind of quietly, finished fourth overall in the QMJHL standings and had the second best record in their conference (the Huskies are seeded second as a division winner). They have some star power and depth. Not sure if you can call a team that finished this high in the standings a dark horse, but keep an eye on them.
4. Blainville-Boisbriand vs 5. Sherbrooke - Armada in 6
Three of the four meetings between these two in the regular season went to extra time. Only five points separate them in the standings. I'll take the Armada here just because it feels like their roster has a few more game breakers.
If these predictions prove accurate, it will set up a second round as follows.
Moncton vs Cape BretonRimouski vs ChicoutimiDrummondville vs Blainville-BoisbriandRouyn-Noranda vs Shawinigan
Enjoy the playoffs, everyone.
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