SN's 2nd Round Predictions

Did you know the second round of the President Cup Playoffs began last night? Well they did. Here are our predictions for the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s quarter-finals.

Baie Comeau Drakkar (1) vs Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (10)

Kevin Chambers: The Drakkar had little trouble dispatching the Shawinigan Cataractes in four straight games but should face a tough test in the Huskies. Both teams are capable of scoring goals in bunches. The biggest difference in this series will be the depth and goaltending of the Drakkar.

Drakkar 4 - Huskies 1

Jamie Tozer – Baie Comeau is my pick to win the league this year so I will pick them to win this series. It is the logical choice. A confident Huskies team should give the Drakkar a good test, though. It seems like in the recent past it’s been the second-round that causes good teams some difficulties. Drakkar in 5.

Halifax Mooseheads (2) vs Gatineau Olympiques (8)

Kevin: This should be a closer series than some might think. Halifax has plenty of offensive weapons but Gatineau has no shortage of firepower either. The difference in this series may just come down to the defense and goaltending both of which favour the Mooseheads.

Mooseheads 4 - Olympiques 2

Jamie: This has the potential to be a close series, especially with Gatineau being Gatineau. Should be a good challenge for the Moose and, if things go there way, get them well prepared for the rest of the playoffs. Mooseheads in 5.

Val-d'Or Foreurs (3) vs Drummondville Voltigeurs (6)

Kevin: This should be a fun series from a fan perspective. There is not much separating these two clubs at all. This series could be won and lost on special teams. The Volts will be in tough trying to contain the league's MVP in Anthony Mantha along with the league's top defender in Guillaume Gelinas. Louis-Philip Guidon will have to play the best he's played in his junior career to fend off the Foreurs relentless attack. 

Foreurs 4 - Voltigeurs 2

Jamie: What Kevin said! Foreurs in 6.

Rimouski Oceanic (4) vs Blainville Boisbriand Armada (5)

Kevin: You'd think this would be one of the closest matchups based on the seeding but with Danick Martel out and Ryan Tesink being suspended for the first four games this has the makings of a quick series. The Oceanic came into the playoffs on a mission while the Armada limped in and struggled against the Wildcats in round one. The Oceanic are rolling at the right time and they have the edge on offense, defense, and goaltending.

Oceanic 4 - Armada 0

Jamie: Rimouski started the playoffs where they left off the regular season. They are rolling right now. The Armada needed six games to knock off a pesky Wildcats team and lost Danick Martel and Ryan Tesink. Oceanic should take this series fairly easily. Oceanic in 4.

Photo: Marc Henwood/Station Nation