WHL Western Conference Semi-finals Preview

The Western Conference went according to plan, as the top four seeds advanced.  The games promise to be good, and anyone can still win it out here.

(1) Kelowna Rockets vs. (4) Seattle Thunderbirds

The Rockets were the best team in the WHL this year, but they also looked rather ordinary against the Tri-City Americans, needing five games to win the series.  While Jordon Cooke has remained hot, the offense can be neutralized by sterling goaltending from the opposing team.  Taran Kozun has been that goaltender for the Thunderbirds since coming over in January, and Seattle has more offense than what Tri-City had this season by a lot.  Shea Theodore is the team's spark plug from the blue line, but Adam Henry is good in his own right.  The Rockets will have to match the Thunderbirds hit for hit, as the T-Birds are known for playing with a chip on the shoulder.

Prediction: Thunderbirds in 7

(2) Portland Winterhawks vs. (3) Victoria Royals

The Winterhawks breezed their way through the first round, scoring six goals in three of their four games (the other game was a mere three goal effort, but was also a shutout).  For all of the offense they have, their defense doesn't nearly get enough credit, as they've done a better job since early January.  The Royals don't wow you in any way on offense, but their goaltending is where they have the decided advantage.  They needed overtime to beat the Chiefs in the first two games, but found it easy going the rest of the way.  They'll have more than just two players to shut down this time, as the Winterhawks can roll out at least two lines of scoring and their blue line can chip in, too.

Prediction: Winterhawks in 6