Nick’s Patterson’s predictions for the second of the 2015 Western Hockey League playoffs:
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Kelowna Rockets (B.C. No. 1) vs. Victoria Royals (B.C. No. 2)
Synopsis: Kelowna is unquestionably the team to beat in the Western Conference. The Rockets finished 17 points ahead of the pack in the race for the conference’s top seed, and Kelowna had an easy time of it in the first round by sweeping Tri-City, thereby allowing time for key players to recover from injuries. Victoria’s only chance is to try to impose itself physically on the Rockets, and while that’s the Royals’ strength, it’s not enough to overcome Kelowna’s advantage in talent.
Prediction: Kelowna in five games.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Brandon Wheat Kings (East No. 1) vs. Regina Pats (East No. 2)
Synopsis: Regina has been the fairy tale story of the season. The Pats sold off their best players at the trade deadline, yet continued to roll along, then swept aside Swift Current in the first round. However, Regina faces a completely different task against Brandon, which won the Scotty Munro Trophy for the league’s best record. It’s hard to imagine the Pats being anything but overwhelmed by the Wheat Kings’ talent.
Prediction: Brandon in five games.
Calgary Hitmen (Central No. 1) vs. Medicine Hat Tigers (Central No. 2)
Synopsis: This could be the most entertaining series of the second round, as it pits two teams capable of winning the league title. Both teams are offensively capable, but they score in completely different ways. The Hitmen are big and skilled while the Tigers are fast and skilled. The teams split their season series 3-3 so it may come down to fatigue, as Calgary was taken to Game 7 in the first round by Kootenay, and Medicine Hat dispatched Red Deer in five games.
Prediction: Medicine Hat in seven games.
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