WHL Playoffs: Conference Semis

With the Kelowna-Seattle series just wrapped up, I can finally get to take a look at each of the series in the next round.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

(1) Edmonton Oil Kings vs. (7) Medicine Hat Tigers

The Oil Kings had little trouble disposing of the Kootenay Ice in the opening round, and they look as good as ever in their quest to repeat.  Luarent Brossoit is a big reason for the Oil Kings' success.  Medicine Hat had a plan against Saskatoon in the opening round, and it worked, forcing the Blades to lick their wounds for a while before their Memorial Cup run.  Cam Lanigan has proven to be the answer in goal for the Tigers, and he will need to be the man in goal again, as the Oil Kings are an underrated bunch on offense.  Offense for the Tigers will be dependent on Curtis Valk and Hunter Shinkaruk (if healthy) again.

Prediction: Oil Kings in 5

(3) Calgary Hitmen vs. (4) Red Deer Rebels

Calgary won a hard fought five game series against Swift Current, and will need their offense to step up against a rather stout Rebels defense, led by Patrik Bartosak.  Red Deer's offense will need to step up, as the Hitmen also have a strong defensive front, with Chris Driedger providing the backbone of that unit.  It will be a defensive struggle, and the winner will be the one who finds their offense first.

Prediction: Hitmen in 7

WESTERN CONFERENCE

(1) Portland Winterhawks vs. (4) Spokane Chiefs

The Winterhawks had a harder time with the Silvertips than anyone could have imagined.  The road to the Memorial Cup does not get any easier, as the Chiefs handily disposed of the Tri-City Americans in five.  While Spokane doesn't have great goaltending, they do have a good overall offense, and Alessio Bertaggia is an X-factor for the team.  The Winterhawks had a rather inconsistent effort on offense, and that just won't do against Spokane.  Mac Carruth played well, all things considered, but he will have to step up his game, as both teams were evenly matched in the regular season.

Prediction: Winterhawks in 6

(2) Kelowna Rockets vs. (3) Kamloops Blazers

The B.C. rivalry that will be a guaranteed barn burner.  The Rockets took the hard way in getting to this point, going down 3-0 to Seattle in the opening round before rallying to a 4-3 series win.  The Blazers had a hard fought series win in six against Victoria.  Kelowna seems to have found a way to compensate for the loss of Colton Sissons, and are looking to build from that momentum of the Seattle series.  Kamloops is equally good, with JC Lipon, Colin Smith, and Tim Bozon leading the way on offense.  This series is going to be good, with B.C. bragging rights and a spot in the conference finals on the line.

Prediction: Blazers in 7