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| Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs |
Now, if you've read this site long enough, you'll know that I am a first round hater. I have six of the eight series being sweeps. I hope I am pleasantly surprised and we get more drama than I expect.
Eastern Conference
1. Moncton vs. 8. Saint John - Wildcats in 4
Sorry. The Sea Dogs are going to have to play the best defense they've played all year and get outstanding goaltending to have any chance against a Wildcats team that is rolling right now.
2. Chicoutimi vs. 7. Halifax - Sagueneens in 4
Halifax pulled off a big first round upset in last year's playoffs but they don't have their star (goaltender Jacob Steinman) from that series anymore. Like Moncton, the Sags have been rolling down the stretch and I don't expect them to have much trouble with the Mooseheads.
3. Newfoundland vs. 6. Cape Breton - Regiment in 4
Cape Breton has just two wins since Valentine's Day and are not entering the playoffs fully healthy. They can't score. I don't think the Regiment will have a lot of trouble here, but the wildcard with Newfoundland remains their discipline, which will be interesting to follow in these playoffs.
4. Charlottetown vs. 5. Québec - Islanders in 5
Only three points separated these two in the standings but it really feels like Charlottetown could take off in these playoffs. All eyes are on Ivan Ryabkin who could legitimately carry the Isles on a deep run.
Western Conference
1. Rouyn-Noranda vs. 8. Gatineau - Huskies in 4
The Huskies, kind of quietly, won the Western Conference and ended the season on a five-game winning streak. They were one of the best defensive teams in the QMJHL this season. They shouldn't have much trouble with Gatineau, who grabbed the 16th and final playoff spot.
2. Blainville-Boisbriand vs. 7. Victoriaville - Armada in 4
The Armada have struggled with health and consistency all season but are still amongst the contenders. They're a good team, no doubt, but they really need to find their top gear in these playoffs. Curious to see if they blow by Victoriaville – which they should – or if they have some struggles withe Tigres' top dogs. There's always one team that can't quite get things going in the opening round.
3. Drummondville vs. 6. Val-d’Or - Voltigeurs in 4
The Foreurs enter the playoffs on a five-game losing streak and are 1-8-1-0 in their last 10 games. It's not ideal. I don't think the Volts will have much trouble here.
4. Shawinigan vs. 5. Sherbrooke - Phoenix in 6
Like most, I expect this to be the most intriguing series of the first round. I'm leaning Sherbrooke mainly because of the play of goaltender Kyan Labbé down the stretch. Five points separated the two in the standings. Both were excellent on home ice this season and Sherbrooke will have to steal at least one on the road – and I think they will.
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