(1) EDMONTON OIL KINGS vs. (8) PRINCE ALBERT RAIDERS
The Oil Kings were once again the best defensive team in the league, and thanks to four players that scored 30 goals or more this season, were the best offensive team in the conference. Led by Henrik Samuelsson and Curtis Lazar, the Oil Kings claimed the Central Division crown once again, and Tristan Jarry proved that he was ready for the starting job this season after previously backing up Laurent Brossoit in the last two seasons. The Raiders needed the tie-breaker game just to get to this point, and while they certainly haven't lived up to pre-season expectations, it is a new season. Leon Draisaitl and Josh Morrissey lead the way for the Raiders, who were buoyed by the mid-season acquisition of Collin Valcourt. Goaltending is still a concern, as Cole Cheveldae posted a GAA of near-4.00, and he was not in goal when the Raiders won the tie-breaker game.
Prediction: Oil Kings in 5
(2) REGINA PATS vs. (7) BRANDON WHEAT KINGS
Don't let the seedings fool you, these teams were separated by a mere eight points, so this is a more even match-up than you think. The Pats were led by Chandler Stephenson and Dyson Stevenson, but received significant contributions from both Morgan Klimchuk and Boston Leier. Dmitry Sinitsyn and Kyle Burroughs provided more than capable defense from the blue line while the tandem of Daniel Wapple and Dawson MacAuley were solid in net for the Pats. The Wheat Kings score a lot, but that is often because they gave up nearly the same number of goals as they scored. Seven players scored at least 20 goals, with Richard Nejezchleb being the only one to score more than 30. Jordan Papirny was a very good goaltender given how much under siege he was for the Wheat Kings.
Prediction: Wheat Kings in 7
(3) CALGARY HITMEN vs. (6) KOOTENAY ICE
The Hitmen are on a mission to make the finals after narrowly missing out last year. Though Brady Brassart and Greg Chase led the team in scoring, it is Jake Virtanen that is the team's best player, as he is becoming one of the best two-way players in the WHL. It also helps that he scored 45 goals, good for sixth in the league. Chris Driedger was solid in goal once again, as he led the third best defensive team in the conference. Kootenay will be motivated to win it for Tim Bozon, who is still in a Saskatoon hospital due to a severe case of meningitis. However, the loss of Bozon takes away a scoring threat that will take the pressure off of Sam Reinhart and Jaedon Deschenau. That duty now falls on Luke Philip. Defensively, the Ice can match the Hitmen, as Mackenzie Skapski is no slouch in goal.
Prediction: Hitmen in 5
(4) MEDICINE HAT TIGERS vs. (5) SWIFT CURRENT BRONCOS
The Tigers were the second best defensive team in the conference, and a fair portion of their success can be attributed to Marek Langhammer stepping up his game this year. The addition of Tommy Vannelli helped, as well as the the contributions from both Tyler Lewington (+40) and Dylan Bredo (+33). However, their offense was as good as ever despite not having Hunter Shinkaruk for most of the season. Curtis Valk stepped up his game once Shinkaruk went down due to injury in both his offense and in a leadership role. The Broncos showed that they could build upon last year's playoff appearance with another solid season. Eetu Laurikainen provided peace of mind in goal while newcomer Julius Honka provided a spark from the blue line. Three players topped the 30 goal mark, proving that once again, the Broncos play a complete team game.
Prediction: Tigers in 6
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