First round QMJHL playoff predictions

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

It's that time.

The QMJHL playoffs get rolling tonight with all eight matchups beginning. Here are my picks for the opening round.

Eastern Conference 

1. Baie-Comeau vs 8. Charlottetown — Drakkar in 4

It's never a great idea to bet against Jim Hulton when it comes to playoff style hockey. But the Islanders are deep into the early stages of a rebuild and just don't have a lot of depth. The Drakkar are on the opposite end of the rebuild cycle and are poised for a deep playoff run after a tremendous regular season. The Henry Leonard Centre is going to be electric.

2. Halifax vs 7. Bathurst — Mooseheads in 5

What are we going to get from the Mooseheads in the playoffs? This team, even when somewhat healthy, just hasn't clicked at 100% since the trade deadline. They've looked great in some games but haven't found that consistency. They'll be without captain Jake Furlong all playoffs but will welcome back Jordan Dumais in Game 2. They struggled against Bathurst in the regular season and I don't think it'll be smooth sailing in this series — but I do think the Moose will pull it together and win this series with some tight wins.

3. Moncton vs 6. Chicoutimi — Sagueneens in 6

I just don't know what to expect from Moncton. There's a lot of pressure on the Wildcats and their coaching staff to prove that, after some ups and downs in the second half, they can turn it on consistently when it matters most. The Sags, meanwhile, have been one of the hottest teams in the second half. Interesting matchup between Caleb Desnoyers and Emile Guite. Only five points separated the teams, so this should be a good series.

4. Cape Breton vs 5. Rimouski — Eagles in 5

The Eagles have been hot down the stretch and I think they'll stay hot in the opening round. The Oceanic have injury troubles in net, which is less than ideal. 

Western Conference 

1. Drummondville vs 8. Saint John — Voltigeurs in 4

Sorry. The Voltigeurs could very well win the whole thing this season even without Maveric Lamoureux. Patrick Leaver will have to play his best games of the season for Saint John to have a chance.

2. Rouyn-Noranda vs 7. Gatineau — Huskies in 4

Like the Volts, the Huskies could win the whole thing. The Olympiques are starting a rebuild. Don't see Rouyn-Noranda having much trouble here.

3. Victoriaville vs 6. Shawinigan — Tigres in 5

The Cataractes had a decent season, finishing four games below .500. Could see them giving the Tigres a bit of a push, but not enough to win the series. Victoriaville also has Nathan Darveau in net, who will give them a chance in every series.

4. Sherbrooke vs 5. Blainville-Boisbriand — Phoenix in 6

Two teams that weren't expected to do much this season could be facing off in one of the better series in the opening round. Only two points separated the two — but those two could be crucial. Sherbrooke has home ice and that's not an easy building to play in come playoffs. The Phoenix also have one of the league's best in net in Samuel St-Hilaire.