EASTER CONFERENCE
(1) Edmonton Oil Kings vs. (7) Brandon Wheat Kings
The Oil Kings dispatched the Prince Albert Raiders in a sweep, which was hardly surprising, but the Raiders did play the Oil Kings closer than expected. Curtis Lazar, Mitch Moroz, and Cody Corbett are players to watch, as they ignited the team's offense. Tristan Jarry has proven to be the team's last line of defense, as he continued his stellar play into the series. The Wheat Kings pulled off a mild upset (mild because the Wheat Kings were only eight points back of the Pats) of the East Division champion Regina Pats, and did so convincingly in a sweep. Jordan Papirny has been solid in net in his rookie year, and certainly, having a strong blue line in front of him has helped. However, it has been an offensive attack led by Jayce Hawryluk and Richard Nezejchleb that put the Wheat Kings over the Pats. Edmonton has the decided playoff experience edge, but the Wheat Kings are playing with greater momentum at the moment.
Prediction: Oil Kings in 5
(4) Medicine Hat Tigers vs. (6) Kootenay Ice
The Tigers won a hard fought series against the Swift Current Broncos in six games. As much credit goes to the offense, it was really the defense that stepped up their game. Tyler Lewington, Dylan Bredo, and Tommy Vannelli are very good in their own end, and it helps that Marek Langhammer has been the goaltender the Tigers wanted. Kootenay was the real surprise, as they dispatched heavily favorited Calgary in six games to advance. Tim Bozon's release from the hospital the day before their series-clinching victory and his appearance in the ceremonial opening face-off make Kootenay this year's feel good story. However, it would be a mistake to think Kootenay got here on luck alone, as Jaedon Deschenau and Sam Reinhart are tied in the playoff scoring lead. Defense could be tightened up a little, as Mackenzie Skapski has been pulled in a couple of contests, and Wyatt Hoflin finished the series.
Prediction: Medicine Hat in 7
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