WHL Conference Finals Preview

The Medicine Hat Tigers made a riveting comeback from a 3-1 series deficit to claim the final spot in the WHL Conference Finals, as they will head to Edmonton while the two best teams in the league square off as the Portland Winterhawks and Kelowna Rockets meet.  Both games begin their series Friday.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

(1) Edmonton Oil Kings vs. (4) Medicine Hat Tigers

The Oil Kings appear to be the odds-on favorite to represent the Eastern Conference in the finals for the third straight year.  Of the remaining teams, the Oil Kings have given up the fewest goals in the playoffs, with Tristan Jarry proving that he is indeed ready for the spotlight in goal.  Unlike the previous two seasons, there hasn't been a true scorer that could take over the game.  However, balanced scoring up and down the lineup has more than offset that issue.

The Tigers needed to make a comeback from being down 3-1 to the Kootenay Ice to make it here.  Led by Trevor Cox, the Tigers found some offense to go with clutch goaltending from Marek Langhammer to give the Tigers a chance at making the WHL Finals for the first time since they won it all in 2007.  The Tigers can match the Oil Kings defensively, but the question here is whether they can do it consistently.

Prediction: Oil Kings in 6

WESTERN CONFERENCE

(1) Kelowna Rockets vs. (2) Portland Winterhawks

The Rockets were the best team in the league, but needed to fend off a historically hot Winterhawks team to claim the Scotty Munro Trophy as the best team in the regular season.  The Rockets have shown no signs of slowing down this post-season, as they disposed of Tri-City and Seattle in only nine games.  Like the Oil Kings, the Rockets rely on a balanced scoring threat.  However, the health of Myles Bell is something to watch.  Jordon Cooke has played well, but he also has the highest GAA of the remaining four goaltenders.

The Winterhawks are the best offensive team in the league, and are proving it once again in the playoffs.  However, their defense is rounding into form at the right time, and unlike the previous meetings, the Winterhawks will be a lot closer to full strength (Nic Petan's health pending) and they will even have Matt Dumba for the games, something that the Winterhawks didn't have for the regular season series.  Brendan Burke's game is getting better, and that will really help the Winterhawks here.

Prediction: Winterhawks in 7