IHWC Quarterfinals Part 2: Germany Makes History, Russia gets Revenge

As the Quarterfinals went into Thursday Night in Mannheim and Colonge, Germany. Many German fans were happy that they were able to get back to the Quarterfinals after some poor performances in recent years (Or in some years, in DIV. 1).

But German Goaltender Dennis Endras put on the game of his life and a 2nd period goal by Philipp Gogulla helped make the difference as the Germans put a shock to the Swiss who were looking strong towards breaking through and winning a major international medal.

Russia used their superstars to get revenge from the Olympics as 2 goals in both the 2nd and 3rd periods help decide the game for Russia as they quest for a 3rd straight IHWC Gold Medal is still alive.

It will now be the Heavy favorite against the host Germans. But with Germany's home crowd and a feeling of nothing to lose, it could be an interesting game here. Could Germany pull off another huge upset and Germany making the final, or will Russia end their miracle run?


Russia 5 Canada 2 (1-0, 2-0, 2-2)

Russia VS. Canada Game Photos: www.iihf.com/channels10/iihf-world-championship-wc10/pictures/page/0/game/RUS%20-%20CAN%20%28QF%29.html

By Alan Adams

In Colonge, Germany: Russia continued its march to a third straight Gold Medal with a 5-2 triumph Quarterfinal victory over Canada on Thursday for its seventh straight win at the 2010 World Championship and its 26 straight victory. In the Semifinals, Russia will meet Germany.

"That game will be a lot of fun," said Russian captain Ilya Kovalchuk. "It's the first time ever they will be in the Semifinal and it will be fun."

The 26 game run at the World Tournament began with a Bronze Medal game in 2007 and now the Russians are two games away from keeping a promise they made when Canada humiliated them in the Quarterfinals at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games. Kovalchuk was asked whetever the Russians can be stopped.

"We'll see. They play hard" he said.

As for Germany, he said: We'll play the home team with the crowd will be with them."

After they lost 7-3 and people questioned their character, the Russian Olympians vowed then to show the world they had more to their mettle then what they showed in Vancouver and with 14 Olympians at the worlds here in Germany, they've answered those critics.

Russia has skill and and speed and the players are listening to the coaching staff," which hasn't always been the norm in the international events.

Russia has now advanced to the medal round for the third straight world championship.

Canada, with one player in the Line up who mined Olympic Gold in Vancouver, finished seventh for its second worst showing since 1992 when they finished 8th. The 2010 Tournament marks the first semifinal that Canada has not qualified for since 2002.

"The game was an extension of the tournament," said captain Ray Whitney.

The Russians went into the game against their longtime rivals saying there was no comparison to the competition here and he best-on-best Olympic competition of three months ago.

But as history has shown, a Canada VS. Russia game at any level brings out the best and worst of each hockey super-power and the quarterfinal was another installment in their fabled way.

Goalie Chris Mason and Russia's Semyon Varlamov were called on to make spectacular saves, much to the delight of the sea of red Russian Jerseys in Laxness Arena. The fans chanted "Rossiya, Rossiya, Rossiya" throughout the game.

"They were a couple of chances that we'd like to have back, had we scored a second on those, it would have been a different game." Said Corey Perry.

It didn't take long for the bad blood between the longtime rivals to boil over and there was no shortage of hard punishing hits, faces being washed by gloves, and cheap hits being delivered by both sides. The Russians and Canadians didn't have much working on the power play chances in the first period.

The Russians executed a boatload of crisp passes and dazzled everybody with their skill but it produced only one good goal scoring chance. Evgeni Malkin tipped a point shot and Mason did the splits to rob him of a goal with five minutes left to play in the 1st period.

The best scoring chance for the Canadians had come midway through the period when Steve Stamkos got the blade of his stick on a low shot and the puck hit a surprised Varlamov in the shoulder.

The Russians took a 1-0 lead at 19:02 of the first period on a wrist shot by Maxim Afinogenov that Mason got a piece of but not enough to stop the puck from trickling into the net.

With Canada's Steve Stamkos in the penalty box for boarding, Pavel Datsyuk doubled Russia's lead at 1:34 of the 2nd period when Datsyuk showed the European Audience what people in the NHL arenas have seen him do so many times before when he lifted the puck high over Mason from the lip of the crease.

Then with Perry in the penalty box for a slash on Russian Star Alexander Ovechkin, Malkin made it 3-0 at 17:31 of the 2nd period on a shoot from between the faceoff circles that slid under Mason has he dropped to his knees in the crease in an attempt to make the save. Sergei Federov tipped a point shot for the 4-0 lead at 7:31 of the third period.

John Tavares scored at 13:52 of the third period for Canada only scoring play and with Canada's empty net for an extra attacker, Malkin scored his second goal of the game at 16:56. Matt Duchene made it 5-2 with 14 seconds left in the game.

Canada ended the tournament with three straight losses.


Switzerland 0 Germany 1 (0-0, 0-1, 0-0)

Switzerland VS. Germany Game Photos: www.iihf.com/channels10/iihf-world-championship-wc10/pictures/page/0/game/SUI%20-%20GER%20%28QF%29.html

By Andrew Podnieks

In Mannheim, Germany: A quick goal from Philipp Gogulla Midway through the 2nd period and sensational goaltending from Dennis Endras was all Germany needed to beat Switzerland 1-0 to advance to the Semifinals for the first time since the current IIHF World Championship Playoff format was introduced in 1992. The Germans now play Russia in Colonge at 18:00 on Saturday Night for a place in the Gold Medal Game.

"Russia is a huge favorite, I think," said Michael Wolf. "With that lineup they have, it's almost like the Olympic Line Up. It's tough to play against them, but we'll try to play as a group again, with good goaltending, and never now."

The game was played before a raucous, sold out SAP Arena crowd of 12,500 that saw Endras stop all 41 shots he faced, some in sensational fashion. The Czechs and Swedes play the other semifinal on Saturday at 14:00.

"I think it was the biggest win of my career," said Endras. "For Germany to make the Semifinal is huge for a team, for the whole staff. The guys worked for the entire 60 minutes and it was such a great feeling tonight."

The only dark side of the night occurred when the final horn was blown when a full scale brawl almost erupted, including Swiss player Timo Helbling and German assistant coach Ernst Hofner, who both got match penalties.

The win guarantees a fourth at least a fourth place finish for the Germans. They last finished as high at the 1976 Olympics when they won a Bronze Medal in Innsbruck and at the 1953 World Championships when they also won Silver. Switzerland now finishes in fifth place, its best showing since a fourth in 1998 when they hosted the World Championship and Zurich and Basle.

Marcel Jenni was praiseworthy in defeat. "It's one of the worst losses I've ever had in my career. We controlled the play in the first period, but we couldn't find the flow we needed to beat them. The Germans deserved the win. They played well."

The first period saw both teams have only one great opportunity each to score, but after 20 minutes there was a nary a goal to be found. In the early going it was Switzerland's Paolo Duca who hit the post, and then toward the end of the period Germany had a colossal opportunity to break the game wide open.

Martin Pluss was given a five minute major and game misconduct for spearing at 15:28. the vicious little play was actually a back-swing with the tip of his stick into the groin of Christian Ehrhoff, but on the ensuing power play the Germans were able to generate few decent shots much less score. They had one other fruitless power play in the period. Coming into the game they were 16th in the tournament with just one goal in 21 chances with the extra man.

Germany showed its great weakness - lack of offense - but the Swiss didn't generate many chances either in a dull period enlivened only by the incredible fan support by the home side.

The 2nd period, however, was a vastly different story. It began with a stifling defense, but then Germany started to take over and dominate. The Swiss couldn't generate scoring chances off the rush, and the Germans skated with greater inspiration. They were rewarded halfway through the period with the game's first goal.

Alexander Sulzner took a weak shot along the left wing boards, but it was high and caught goalie Martin Gerber by surprise. He had to jump to make the chest save, but the puck dropped onto the stick of Philipp Gogulla and quickly rapped it open side of the 1-0 lead at 10:46.

The third period was predictable in that the Germans tried to protect the lead and the Swiss mounted their fiercest attack. The result was several terrific scoring chances, but Endras was sensational in the German net, stopped everything that came his way.

Of course, the Swiss attacked, the more they were vulnerable to odd-man rushes the other way, and Germany had a few quality scoring chances to get their all important 2nd goal.

The brawl erupted after a crazy series of events. As the clock wound down to zero, German Players leaped off the bench to celebrate the win, but refs pointed out there was still one second left on the clock. Order was restored, the puck dropped, and the game was over. But pushing and shoving occurred as the players left their benches. Order was restored but gave an otherwise sensational night a bit of a black eye.

"We have great team spirit," said Alexander Sulzer of the winning team. "We talked before the game against the USA Started, and we sat together. We said we were just going to play the game and keep it easy, do the little things. Enjoy the moment, go from shift to shift and, period to period and game to game."

And now they have at least one more game to play, the biggest of their lives.

IHWC Quarterfinals Part 1: Sweden ends Denmark's Historic Run, Czech Rep. wins a SO against Finland

Thursday's Quarterfinals in the Ice Hockey World Championships saw some interesting battles as the Russians got revenge from the beating they received from Canada in the Olympics back in February.

History was made for Germany by eking out a 1-0 goaltenders duel as they reach the Semis for the first time and the Czechs eking out a 2-1 victory in a shutout after going down 1-0 early on in the first game of the day.

Denmark's run may have ended, but for a team that's usually been trying to battle off relegation. This meant a big step up and ending what otherwise has been a disappointing season for the Danes as they failed to make the Olympics during the Olympic Qualifiers last year and failing to promote to the WJC and U18 World Championships this season.

They didn't go without a fight as players like Dallas Stars Prospect Patrick Thorson among a growing list of players who are making an impact in both Europe (Especially Sweden) and North America with more & more players getting chances in the AHL and a few in the NHL right now.

They hoping to use this as momentum for 2010-2011 to keep up this pace as they look to have a stronger season internationally with the ultimate goal of qualifying for the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia and getting their Juniors promoted to the WJC & U18 World Championships next season.

Czech Republic in addition to Russia also got revenge from their Olympic Rematches as they took down Finland 2-1 in a shutout in what was mostly a defensive showdown. But they were some great outbursts by both sides, especially in OT where both teams were looking to prevent the game from going to a shutout.

Now the Semifinals will be taking place on Saturday as Swede VS. Czech Republic will go at it in the early game. While Russia will be taking Germany who's looking to pull off an incredible run as hosts in the 2nd game.


From Risto Pakarinen

Finland 1 Czech Republic 2 (SO) (1-0, 0-0, 0-1, 0-0, 0-1)

Finland VS. Czech Republic Game Photos: www.iihf.com/channels10/iihf-world-championship-wc10/pictures/page/0/game/FIN%20-%20CZE.html

In Colonge, Germany: Tied after 70 minutes of battle, it all came down to a penalty shutout. Lukas Kaspar and Jan Marek scored for the Czechs and sealed the win.

Jakub Klepis for the Czechs in the 3rd period, and Tomas Vokoun made 29 saves in regulation time. Petri Kontiola scored for Finland. Pekka Rinne stopped 33 shots.

"It was a tough game, there were times when I was very nervous," Jaromir Jagr about the win that took the Czechs past the Quarterfinals for the first time since 2006.

"The shootout is lots of times a matter of luck. I got some, and I miss some. It's a fun to win, but a tough way to loss," added goaltender Vokoun.

Before the game, everybody said that it was no Olympic rematch because the rosters are completely different. True enough, but the nature of the game was similar to the one played in Vancouver three months ago. A low scoring game, thanks to good goaltending at both ends of the rink.

Another thing that was different in Vancouver, Finland scored late in the third period to win the game. In Colonge, they scored early in the first, and nursed the lead for 59 minutes.

"I don't think we want to get ahead of ourselves. We said before the game we are not supposed to be here and we have twice survived our death." Vokoun said.

Just 55 seconds into the game, Janne Niskala sent a pass from the top of the faceoff circle to Petri Kontiola on the Finns offensive blue-line. Kontiola snuck between two Czech Defensemen, waited for Tomas Vokoun to go down and beat him on a wrist shot on Vokoun's glove side.

There were two other differences, this time the Czechs scored, too. Just 1:12 into the 3rd period, while Jussi Jokinen was in the penalty box for the third time in the game, they played the puck to Jakub Klepis on the point, and he fired a slap-shot beat Pekka Rinne, and tied the game.

"It's a huge disappointment to have the season end like this, I think we battle hard, and we had some scoring chances too, "Said Jussi Jokinen.

The game was mostly a battle, with both teams making sure that there were no turnovers in the critical areas of the ice. Both teams also defended the inside walls, making the goalies jobs that much easier.

The Czech Team pushed hard in the third period, practically controlling the flow of the game. Rinnie in the Finnish net made several acrobatic saves, including one on Jaromir Jagr and another on Jiri Novotny, both from point blank range.

With nine minutes remaining, the Czechs had out-shot Finland 7-1 in the third period. But the score was tied after regulation time and the game went to a ten minute, 4-on-4 overtime.

At 3:58, Jakub Voracek got a tripping penalty, giving the Finns and excellent opportunity to score but the Czech Penalty Kill survived the scare.

"Our Penalty Kill was the difference and in overtime when we did not give a shot on the 4-on-3, guys were battling, blocking shots," marveled Vokoun.

According to Team Finland head coach Jekka Jalonen, his team ran out of gas in the third period. Ten additional minutes didn't change the score, and the Czech Republic is through to the Semifinal against Sweden in a penalty shootout.

Here's the results of the Shootout

CZE: Lukas Kaspar, Shot, Goal

FIN: Jarkko Imonen, Shot, Goal

CZE: Jan Marek, Deke, Goal

FIN: Jussi Jokinen, Deke, Missed the Net

CZE: Jakub Klepis, deke, Miss

FIN: Petri Kontiola, Miss

"We have to get ready to put in a 60 minute effort. It's a new game, and if we play hard, you never know what's possible." Vokoun said.


By Lucas Aykroyd

Sweden 4 Denmark 2 (1-0, 2-1, 1-1)

Sweden VS. Denmark Game Photos: www.iihf.com/channels10/iihf-world-championship-wc10/pictures/page/0/game/SWE%20-%20DEN%20%28QF%29.html

In Mannheim, Germany: Two hours before puck drop, the Danes were optimistically blasting "We Can Work it Out" by the Beatles in their dressing room. Unfortunately, that prediction didn't come true for underdog Scandinavian Nation in its Quarterfinal versus Sweden.

With a solid 4-2 Quarterfinal Victory over Denmark, Sweden moved on to Saturday's Semifinal versus the Czech Republic in Colonge. This marks Sweden's tenth straight year they have made the final four at the IHWC.

"We were the better team and we knew it, said Tre Kronor Scoring Leader Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson. We never gave them enough space to execute."

While the final outcome was predictable, the Danes could at least take pride in posting their lowest margin of defeat ever against Sweden at this tournament. The previous best was a 4-2 loss in 2007.

"We just met a better team today." said Denmark's Mads Bodker. "We tried to compete, and it was exciting to the end. We gave them a fight."

Marcus Nilson, Jonas Andersson, Rickard Wallin and Linus Omark scored for Sweden, and Magnus Johansson had a pair of assists. Jesper Damgaard and Morten Madsen replied for Denmark.

"We knew it would be a do-or-die game in the Quarterfinals, and if we're going to win gold, we have to win this one," said Nilson. "These are the game you long to play." This is where the tournament starts."

Swedish starting goalie Johan Gustavsson got the win over Denmark's Patrick Galbaith. Sweden outshot Denmark 39-29.

Sweden now looks ahead. It beat the Czech Republic in the 2006 finals, and has also the defeated that nation in elimination play at each of the last two Worlds (3-2 in OT in the Quarterfinals, 3-1 in the 2009 Quarterfinals). However, the last time the Czechs beat Sweden was in the semifinals, they won 3-2 in OT and went on to win the IIHF Gold Medal in Austria 2005.

Denmark which made its first ever Quarterfinal final appearance before 3487 fans at the SAP Arena, has never defeated Sweden in an international tournament. The Danes Previous best finish at an IIHF World Championship was tenth (Russia 2007). 2010 is a proud moment for the Danish Program.

Although the opening minutes of yearly Quarterfinals passed uneventfully, the Swedes patiently and gradually ratchet up the pressure around Denmark's net. The Danes had to hang back under Swedish fore-checking pressure, and the Swedes often used their size and skill to monoplize the puck down low. At times, it looked like Tre Kronor power play wasn't even it wasn't.

Inevitably though, the Swedes did get a power play, and they took full advantage. Magnus Johannsson found Marcus Nilson to the right of Galbraith's cage with a perfect pass, and Nilson sold the puck into the open side to make it 1-0 at 14:58 of the 1st period.

"It was good to get the first goal," said Nilson. "We knew we had a psychological advantage. When we scored, I think they sensed that a little bit."

The Danes couldn't fool Gustavsson on their own subsequent man advantages starting less then a minute later, with Christian Backman nabbed for hooking. They were blanked again when Victor Hedman was sent off for slashing in the first minute of the 2nd period. Denmark's failure to capitalize 5-on-4 would prove fatal.

Galbraith held his ground when Andreas Engqvist got a golden chance from the slot just over 4 minutes into the 2nd period. But simply missed Jonas Andersson's quick release when the Swedish forward burst down right wing and beat him stick side at 7:21.

It was Andersson's fourth goal of the tournament, tying him for the team lead with Magnus Paajarvi Svensson. The 29 year old from Dynamo Minsk is shining in his maiden World Championship voyage.

Sweden extended its lead to 3-0 at 12:29 with a nice shorthanded goal when Rickard Wallin blasted to the net and got a centering pass from Engqvist, putting it over Galbraith's goal.

Just 49 seconds later, the Danes fought back to make it 3-1 when captain Jesper Damgaard stepped into a slap shot from the right faceoff circle, over powering Gustavsson on the short side.

The Swedes gave Denmark very little in the third, and nearly stretched their lead to three goals with under 8 minutes left when Magnus Johansson pinched in and forced Galbraith to make a challenging glove stop.

On the power play with 6:43 remaining, Linus Omark put Sweden up 4-1 with a perfect shot inside Galbraith's converting a cross ice pass from Niklas Persson.

"The Difference was their power play," said Bodker. "They scored some goals on it and overall they had the better team."

The Danes, at this point, had no more chances of coming back then a jar of pickled herring does of swimming wild and free in the Baltic Sea.

Morten Madsen added a power play marker on a great slapshot to cut the deficit 4-2 with 2:25 left, and then the Danes pulled Galbraith for the extra attacker. They got off a few attempts, but it wasn't enough.

Denmark's best three players of the tournament were honored afterwards: Peter Regin, Frans Nielsen, and Patrick Galbraith.

IHWC Playoffs Stage

With the Qualifying & Relegation Rounds now done with. It's down to the last 8 and man do we have surprises. Canada finished 4th in the Group, Switzerland is looking like a serious threat to win an international medal despite the losses against Norway and Sweden.

Also we have Denmark making it's first ever IHWC Quarterfinals along with Germany bouncing back after a pair of poor performances recently by making the Quarterfinals for the first time since 2003.

Thursday starts to get fun as the Knockout Rounds will get underway with 2 Quarterfinal games from Mannheim and Colonge. Then after an off-day on Friday, Saturday will have the Semifinals which both of them will be in Colonge.

Sunday will feature the Medal Rounds as we will crown this year's World Championship Medalist.

Here's a look at the Playoffs Schedule which begins on Thursday.

Quarterfinals (Thursday)

#2E Finland VS. #3F Czech Republic 4:15 PM Local Time/9:15 AM CDT in Colonge

#1F Sweden VS. #4E Denmark 4:15 PM Local Time/9:15 AM CDT in Mannheim

#1E Russia VS. #4F Canada 8:15 PM Local Time/ 1:15 PM CDT in Colonge

#2F Switzerland VS. #3E Germany 8:15 PM Local Time/1:15 PM CDT in Mannheim


Semifinals (Saturday)

The Saturday Matches will be announced by the Tournament Org.


Medal Round (Sunday)

Bronze Medal Game (SF Losers) 4:15 PM Local Time/9:15 AM CDT

Gold Medal Game (SF Winners) 8:15 PM Local Time/1:15 PM CDT

Final Weekend of the NHL & AHL Regular Seasons

As we get ready to end the regular seasons in the National Hockey League and the American Hockey League. We will take a look at the final weekend schedule's and what the current playoff matchups look like and who is still alive for playoff contention this weekend. Look for the playoff schedules to come out in both leagues and the opening round will be getting underway probably either on April 14 or 15 next week.

Current NHL Playoff Matchups.

Western Conference: All Teams have clinched.

Eastern Conference: NY Rangers is 1 point back of Boston & Montreal and is tied with Philadelphia for the 8th and final playoff spot.


Current Eastern Conference Quarterfinal Matchups.

#1 Washington Capitals VS. #8 Philadelphia Flyers

#2 New Jersey Devils VS. #7 Montreal Canadiens

#3 Buffalo Sabres VS. #6 Boston Bruins

#4 Pittsburgh Penguins VS. #5 Ottawa Senators



Current Western Conference Quarterfinal Matchups

#1 Chicago Blackhawks VS. #8 Colorado Avalanche

#2 San Jose Sharks VS. #7 Nashville Predators

#3 Vancouver Canucks VS. #6 Los Angeles Kings

#4 Phoenix Coyotes VS. #5 Detroit Red Wings


Final Weekend Schedule

4/10

Carolina Hurricanes VS. Boston Bruins 12:00 PM

Edmonton Oilers VS. Los Angeles Kings 3:00 PM

Toronto Maple Leafs VS. Montreal Canadians 6:00 PM

Buffalo Sabres VS. Ottawa Senators 6:00 PM

NY Islanders VS. New Jersey Devils 6:00 PM

Pittsburgh Penguins VS. Atlanta Thrashers 6:00 PM

Florida Panthers VS. Tampa Bay Lighting 6:30 PM

St. Louis Blues VS. Nashville Predators 7:00 PM

Dallas Stars VS. Minnesota Wild 7:00 PM

Calgary Flames VS. Vancouver Canucks 9:00 PM

Phoenix Coyotes VS. San Jose Sharks 9:30 PM


4/11

Boston Bruins VS. Washington Capitals 11:00 AM

NY Rangers VS. Philadealphia Flyers 2:00 PM

Detroit Red Wings VS. Chicago Blackhawks 2:00 PM

Los Angeles Kings VS. Colorado Avalanche 2:00 PM

Buffalo Sabres VS. New Jersey Devils 4:00 PM

Pittsburgh Penguins VS. NY Islanders 4:00 PM

Tampa Bay Lighting VS. Florida Panthers 4:00 PM

Edmonton Oilers VS. Anaheim Ducks 7:00 PM



Current AHL Playoff Matchups

Atlantic Division: Bridgeport and Lowell are tied for the 4th and final playoff spot in the Division. However, they currently both have better records then 4th place Norfolk in the East to force a possible crossover.

East Division: The Top 3 Spots have been clinched, Norfolk needs to overtake either Bridgeport or Lowell to get the 4th and final spot and to stop an Atlantic Division Crossover.

North Division: All Spots have been clinched, Hamilton and Rochester will have home ice in the 1st round. Abbotsford & Manitoba will fight it out for 3rd.

West Division: Both 1st Round Matchups are set. Chicago will play Milwaukee, while Texas will play Rockford


Current Atlantic Division Semifinal Matchups

#1 Worcester Sharks VS. #4 Bridgeport Sound Tigers

#2 Portland Pirates VS. #3 Manchester Monarchs*


Current East Division Playoff Matchups

#1 Hershey Bears VS. #4 Lowell Devils

#2 Albany River Rats VS. #3 W-B/Scranton Penguins*


Current North Division Playoff Matchups

#1 Hamilton Bulldogs VS. #4 Manitoba Moose

#2 Rochester Americans VS. #3 Abbotsford Heat


Current West Division Playoff Matchups

#1 Chicago Wolves VS. #4 Milwaukee Admirals*

#2 Texas Stars VS. #3 Rockford Icehogs*

*Confirmed Matchup


Final Weekend Schedule

4/10

Hamilton Bulldogs VS. Toronto Marlies 3:00 PM

Albany River Rats VS. Adirondack Phantoms 6:00 PM

Manchester Monarchs VS. Bridgeport Sound Tigers 6:00 PM

Springfield Falcons VS. Hartford Wolfpack 6:00 PM

Lowell Devils VS. Portland Pirates 6:00 PM

W-B/Scranton Penguins VS. Binghamton Senators 6:05 PM

Providence Bruins VS. Worcester Sharks 6:05 PM

Hershey Bears VS. Norfolk Admirals 6:15 PM

Abbotsford Heat VS. Lake Erie Monsters 6:30 PM

Rochester Americans VS. Syracuse Crunch 6:30 PM

Grand Rapids Griffins VS. Chicago Wolves 7:00 PM

Rockford Icehogs VS. San Antonio Rampage 7:00 PM

Peoria Rivemen VS. Manitoba Moose 7:30 PM

Texas Stars VS. Houston Aeros 7:35 PM


4/11

Hartford Wolfpack VS. Bridgeport Sound Tigers 2:00 PM

Manchester Monarchs VS. Springfield Falcons 2:00 PM

Binghamton Senators VS. W-B/Scranton Penguins 2:05 PM

Providence Bruins VS. Lowell Devils 3:00 PM

Worcester Sharks VS. Portland Pirates 3:00 PM

Houston Aeros VS. San Antonio Rampage 3:00 PM

Abbotsford Heat VS. Toronto Marlies 3:00 PM

Grand Rapids Griffins VS. Milwaukee Admirals 5:00 PM

Ontario Hockey League Playoff Update

Here's a look at the scores and game summaries as I'm catching up as we contuine to go through the opening round of the WHL, OHL & QMJHL Playoffs Series.

March 19

Guelph Storm 3 London Knights 4 (OT) (0-1, 2-1, 1-1, 0-1)
www.ontariohockeyleague.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=16670

Sault St. Marie Greyhounds 3 Plymouth Whalers 2 (1-0, 0-0, 2-2)
www.ontariohockeyleague.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=16658

Brampton Battalion 4 Kingston Frontenacs 2 (0-1, 3-0, 1-1)
www.ontariohockeyleague.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=16668

Saginaw Spirit 2 Kitchener Rangers 3 (OT) (2-0, 0-2, 0-0, 0-1)
www.ontariohockeyleague.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=16669

Peterborough Petes 2 Mississauga St. Micheals Majors 4 (0-1, 1-0, 1-3)
www.ontariohockeyleague.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=16671

Niagara Icedogs 3 Ottawa 67s 4 (0-1, 3-2, 0-1)
www.ontariohockeyleague.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=16672

Friday OHL Playoff Wrap Up: www.ontariohockeyleague.com/ohl-playoff-roundup-friday-p141530


March 20

Sault St. Marie Greyhounds 2 Plymouth Whalers 5 (1-0, 0-3, 1-2)
www.ontariohockeyleague.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=16660

Kitchener Rangers 1 Saginaw Spirit 3 (0-0, 1-2, 0-1)
www.ontariohockeyleague.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=16673

Barrie Colts 2 Sudbury Wolves 1 (1-1, 0-0, 1-0)
www.ontariohockeyleague.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=16674

Saturday OHL Playoff Wrap Up: www.ontariohockeyleague.com/ohl-playoff-roundup-saturday-p141552


March 21

Kingston Frontenacs 1 Brampton Battalion 5 (0-3, 1-1, 0-1)
www.ontariohockeyleague.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=16676

London Knights 4 Guelph Storm 3 (1-0, 3-1, 0-2)
www.ontariohockeyleague.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=16678

Niagara Icedogs 1 Ottawa 67s 3 (0-1, 1-1, 0-1)
www.ontariohockeyleague.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=16679

Windsor Spitfires 3 Erie Otters 1 (1-0, 1-1, 1-0)
www.ontariohockeyleague.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=16677

Sudbury Wolves 2 Barrie Colts 6 (1-2, 0-4, 1-0)
www.ontariohockeyleague.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=16675

OHL Sunday Playoff Wrap Up: www.ontariohockeyleague.com/ohl-playoff-roundup-sunday-p141576


March 22

Mississauga St. Micheals Majors 2 Peterborough Petes 1 (1-1, 1-0, 0-0)
www.ontariohockeyleague.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=16681

Saginaw Spirit 1 Kitchener Rangers 2 (0-1, 0-0, 1-1)
www.ontariohockeyleague.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=16680


OHL Monday Playoff Wrap Up: www.ontariohockeyleague.com/ohl-playoff-roundup-monday-p141596

Western Hockey League Playoff Update

Here's a look at scores from the last few days from the WHL, OHL & QMJHL Playoffs. I'm still having to catch up after being in Tulsa where my Grandmother has had so many medical problems recently. I hope you understand.

March 19

Swift Current Broncos 2 Brandon Wheat Kings 5 (1-1, 0-2, 1-2)
http://whl.ca/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1006964

Medicine Hat Tigers 2 Kootenay Ice 6 (2-2, 0-2, 0-2)
http://whl.ca/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1006982

Chilliwack Bruins 2 Tri-City Americans 4 (1-0, 0-0, 1-4)
http://whl.ca/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1006933

Kamloops Blazers 3 Vancouver Giants 4 (OT) (3-2, 0-0, 0-1, 0-1)
http://whl.ca/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1006940

Kelowna Rockets 4 Everett Silvertips 5 (OT) (0-1, 2-1, 2-2, 0-1)
http://whl.ca/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1006947

WHL Friday Playoff Wrap Up: http://whl.ca/friday-s-whl-playoff-round-up-p141538


March 20

Swift Current Broncos 3 Brandon Wheat Kings 5 (0-0, 0-1, 3-4)
http://whl.ca/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1006965

Moose Jaw Warriors 4 Calgary Hitmen 1 (3-0, 0-0, 1-1)
http://whl.ca/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1006951

Medicine Hat Tigers 0 Kootenay Ice 4 (0-1, 0-2, 0-1)
http://whl.ca/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1006983

Red Deer Rebels 0 Saskatoon Blades 3 (0-3, 0-0, 0-0)
http://whl.ca/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1006975

Chilliwack Bruins 1 Tri-City Americans 8 (0-1, 0-3, 1-4)
http://whl.ca/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1006934

Kamloops Blazers 3 Vancouver Giants 6 (1-1, 1-2, 1-3)
http://whl.ca/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1006941

Spokane Chiefs 5 Portland Winterhawks 4 (0-2, 2-2, 3-0)
http://whl.ca/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1006960

Kelowna Rockets 2 Everett Silvertips 5 (0-1, 1-2, 1-2)
http://whl.ca/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1006948

WHL Playoff Saturday Wrap Up: http://whl.ca/saturday-s-whl-playoff-round-up-p141560


March 21

Spokane Chiefs 4 Portland Winterhawks 2 (0-1, 2-0, 2-1)
http://whl.ca/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1006962

Red Deer Rebels 0 Saskatoon Blades 4 (0-3, 0-0, 0-1)
http://whl.ca/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1006976


WHL Playoff Sunday Wrap Up: http://whl.ca/sunday-s-whl-playoff-round-up-p141578


March 22

Calgary Hitmen 7 Moose Jaw Warriors 3 (2-0, 2-2, 3-1)
http://whl.ca/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1006953

WHL Playoff Monday Wrap Up: http://whl.ca/monday-s-whl-playoff-round-up-p141595


Here's a look at the Series Updates through Monday Night.

Eastern Conference

Moose Jaw Warriors Lead Series 2-1

Brandon Wheat Kings Lead Series 2-0

Saskatoon Blades Lead Series 2-0

Kootenay Ice & Medicine Hat Tigers Series Tied 1-1


Western Conference

Tri-City Americans Lead Series 2-0

Vancouver Giants Lead Series 2-0

Everett Silvertips Lead Series 2-0

Spokane Chiefs Lead Series 2-0

Western Hockey League Western Conference Quarterfinals

The WHL has a strong top 3 as the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans came down to the final day of the regular season as the Spokane Chiefs spolied the Silvertips hopes of winning the U.S. Division and getting the #1 Seed. Instead, it's the Tri-City Americans that will go as the opening round as the Top Seed in the Western Conference.

In addidition to the U.S. Teams, the Vancouver Giants won the B.C. Division with a pretty big margin over teams like defending WHL Champion Kelowna Rockets. Vancouver is the only B.C. Team in this year's Western Conference Playoffs with 4 of the top 5 teams coming from the U.S.

Other then the top 3, expect the winner of the Portland VS. Spokane Series to be a very big indicator of how the playoffs will go. Both teams have some great players like Nino Niederreiter and Chris Francis. As for the Chiefs, Tyler Johnson has the total package, at 5'9" 175, he may be small, but he is lighting fast and can score and help set up Kyle Beech who led the season in goals with 52 during the Regular Season.

This could be the best of the 4 1st Round Series here in the Western Conference and who ever wins this series should be considered to be a big challenger to Everett and Tri-City. Expect this series to go at least 6 games with some great games on both sides.

The bottom 3 has the Defending Champion Kelowna who's usually tough in the playoffs. But this year will be tough as they will face Everett where the Silvertips have won 5 of 6 this season against the Rockets and are playing really confident. Usually, the Rockets would be expected to win at least one series, but I don't think it's going to happen this year.

Kamloops and Chilliwack are going to be the big underdogs as both teams have been a bit stale recently as neither team had to fight off a serious challenge to make it in the playoffs. Expect these teams to be ousted quickly this year.

#1 Tri-City Americans VS. #8 Chilliwack Bruins

Tri-City Americans Regular Season Record: 47-22-3 97 PTS, 272 GF 193 GA

Tri-City Scoring Leaders
Brendan Shinnimin 70 GP 82 PTS (27G 55A)
Justin Feser 72 GP 73 PTS (36G 37A)
Brooks Macek 72 GP 73 PTS (21G 52A)

Tri-City Goaltending
Drew Owsey 50 GP 33-11-2 2.51 GAA .918 SV%
Alexander Pechurskiy 27 GP 13-10-1 2.61 GAA .912 SV%


Chilliwack Bruins Regular Season Record: 32-33-7 71 PTS, 215 GF 239 GA

Chilliwack Scoring Leaders
Ryan Howse 72 GP 72 PTS (47G 25A)
Kevin Sundher 72 GP 61 PTS (25G 36A)
Brandon Manning 69 GP 54 PTS (13G 41A)

Chilliwack Goaltending
Lucas Gore 41 GP 20-18-2 2.98 GAA .902 SV%
Braden Gamble 20 GP 6-7-1 3.54 GAA .882 SV%

All Tri-City Americans Home Games are @ Toyota Center

All Chilliwack Bruins Home Games are @ Prospera Center

Game 1, 3/19: @ Tri-City 9:00 PM

Game 2, 3/20: @ Tri-City 9:00 PM

Game 3, 3/23: @ Chilliwack 9:00 PM

Game 4, 3/24: @ Chilliwack 9:00 PM

Game 5, 3/26: @ Tri-City 9:00 PM*

Game 6, 3/28: @ Chilliwack 9:00 PM*

Game 7, 3/30: @ Tri-City 9:00 PM*

*If Necessary


#2 Vancouver Giants VS. #7 Kamloops Blazers

Vancouver Giants Regular Season Record: 41-25-6 88 PTS, 267 GF 211 GA

Vancouver Scoring Leaders
Craig Cunningham 72 GP 97 PTS (37G 60A)
Brendan Gallagher 72 GP 81 PTS (41G 40A)
Kevin Connauton 69 GP 72 PTS (24G 48A)

Vancouver Goaltending
Mark Segal 36 GP 18-12-2 2.66 GAA .910 SV%
Derek Tendler 10 GP 4-2-1 3.74 GAA .869 SV%


Kamloops Blazers Regular Season Record: 32-33-7 71 PTS, 237 GF 284 GA

Kamloops Scoring Leaders
C.J. Stretch 68 GP 81 PTS (30G 51A)
Brenden Ranford 72 GP 65 PTS (29G 36A)
Chase Schaber 68 GP 49 PTS (18G 31A)

Kamloops Goaltending
Kurtis Mucha 48 GP 23-17-4 3.29 GAA .900 SV%
Jon Groenheyde 31 GP 10-14-2 3.79 GAA .896 SV%
Justin Leclerc 18 GP 8-8-1 4.37 GAA .893 SV%

All Vancouver Giants Home Games are @ Pacific Coliseum

All Kamloops Blazers Home Games are @ Interior Savings Center

Game 1, 3/19: @ Vancouver 9:30 PM

Game 2, 3/20: @ Vancouver 9:00 PM

Game 3, 3/23: @ Kamloops 9:00 PM

Game 4, 3/24: @ Kamloops 9:00 PM

Game 5, 3/26: @ Vancouver 9:30 PM*

Game 6, 3/27: @ Kamloops 9:00 PM*

Game 7, 3/30: @ Vancouver 9:00 PM*

*If Necessary


#3 Everett Silvertips VS. #6 Kelowna Rockets

Everett Silvertips Regular Season Record: 46-21-5 97 PTS, 232 GF 175 GA

Everett Scoring Leaders
Shane Harper 72 GP 80 PTS (42G 38A)
Tyler Maxwell 72 GP 69 PTS (33G 36A)
Kellan Tochkin 72 GP 68 PTS (28G 40A)

Everett Goaltending
Kent Simpson 34 GP 22-9-1 2.26 GAA .925 SV%
Thomas Heemskerk 42 GP 24-12-4 2.34 GAA .927 SV%


Kelowna Rockets Regular Season Record: 35-31-6 76 PTS

Kelowna Scoring Leaders
Tyson Barrie 63 GP 72 PTS (19G 53A)
Shane Mccolgan 71 GP 69 PTS (25G 44A)
Brandon Mcmillan 55 GP 67 PTS (25G 42A)

Kelowna Goaltending
Adam Brown 59 GP 31-18-5 2.80 GAA .905 SV%
Mark Guggenberger 16 GP 4-11-1 3.45 GAA .880 SV%


All Everett Silvertips Home Games are @ Comcast Arena

All Kelowna Rockets Home Games are @ Prospera Place

Game 1, 3/19: @ Everett 9:30 PM

Game 2, 3/20: @ Everett 9:00 PM

Game 3, 3/23: @ Kelowna 9:00 PM

Game 4, 3/24: @ Kelowna 9:00 PM

Game 5, 3/26: @ Everett 9:30 PM*

Game 6, 3/27: @ Kelowna 9:00 PM*

Game 7, 3/30: @ Everett 9:00 PM*

*If Necessary


#4 Spokane Chiefs VS. #5 Portland Winterhawks

Spokane Chiefs Regular Season Record: 45-22-5 95 PTS, 240 GF 179 GA

Spokane Scoring Leaders
Mitch Wahl 72 GP 96 PTS (30G 66A)
Kyle Beach 68 GP 86 PTS (52G 34A)
Tyler Johnson 64 GP 71 PTS (36G 35A)

Spokane Goaltending
James Reid 60 GP 38-16-5 2.41 GAA .920 SV%
Michael Tadjdeh 17 GP 7-7-0 2.82 GAA .903 SV%


Portland Winterhawks Regular Season Record: 44-25-3 91 PTS, 266 GF 241 GA

Portland Scoring Leaders
Chris Francis 72 GP 82 PTS (26G 56A)
Ryan Johnson 71 GP 69 PTS (25G 44A)
Brad Ross 71 GP 68 PTS (27G 41A)

Portland Goaltending
Ian Curtis 38 GP 21-10-2 3.25 GAA .908 SV%
Mac Carruth 26 GP 14-9-1 3.41 GAA .893 SV%


All Spokane Chiefs Home Games are @ Spokane Vets. Memorial Coliseum

All Portland Winterhawks Home Games @ Portland Memorial Coliseum

Game 1, 3/20: @ Portland 9:00 PM

Game 2, 3/21: @ Portland 7:00 PM

Game 3, 3/24: @ Spokane 9:00 PM

Game 4, 3/26: @ Spokane 9:00 PM

Game 5, 3/27: @ Spokane 9:00 PM*

Game 6, 3/29: @ Portland 9:00 PM*

Game 7, 3/31: @ Spokane 9:00 PM*

*If Necessary

Ontario Hockey League Western Conference Quarterfinal Schedules

In the Western Conference of the Ontario Hockey League Season has been basically the same with a couple of execptions as the top challengers may be able to pose a bigger threat to Windsor then the Barrie Colts in the East. The Top 2 challengers in the London Knights and Kitchener Rangers could be able to pose a bigger threat to the defending Champion Spitfires.

The Spitfires looked like to rest many of their top players after the Spitfires clinched the top spot in the West. Windsor could have a shot of beating Barrie for Home Ice Advantage but some costly losses include Sault St. Marie, Plymouth and Sarnia in the final weeks of the regular season.

As the defending champions and having 2 of the top 3 players that should be in the NHL Draft in Taylor Hall and Cam Fowler are expected to big targets, especially later in the playoffs when they could play either London or Kitchener in the Western Conference Final.

Both teams goaltending will need to be on top of their game if they going to give the Spitfires in the series as Michael Hutchinson was among the league leaders in wins with 32, while Kitchener Goalie situation could be a bit shaky with starter Brandon Maxwell with a 3.73 GAA this season.

In the rest of the Conference, Plymouth's Tyler Seguin who ended tied with Windsor's Taylor Hall with 106 points. However, with him scoring 48 goals while Taylor Hall with the Windsor Spitfires who scored only 40 goals. However, promblems could come with Secondary Scoring as AJ Jenks ended the regular season with just 63 PTS and was the teams 2nd leading scorer.

What makes him different from Hall is that he is a more of a pure goal scorer, while Taylor Hall is able to deliever the hits more and has slightly better defense. That's why Hall is being considered the favorite to go #1 overall in the NHL Draft this Summer, maybe to somebody like the Edmonton Oilers.

If Plymouth can improve its defense, it give the Whalers a shot as the team enters the playoffs with the lowest number of goals allowed of all the teams in the Western Conference.

The bottom of the Eastern Conference was very tight as teams 4 through 8 finished just 6 points apart from each other. However, the top 3 teams in the Western Conference are just that much better so I wouldn't expect teams like Plymouth and Sault St. Marie to get past the 2nd Round especially.


#1 Windsor Spitfires VS. #8 Erie Otters

Windsor Spitfires Regular Season Record: 50-12-6 106 PTS 331 GA 203 GA

Windsor Leading Scorers:
Taylor Hall 57 GP 106 PTS (40G, 66A)
Justin Shugg 67 GP 79 PTS (39G, 40A)
Adam Henrique 54 GP 77 PTS (38G, 39A)

Windsor Goaltending
Troy Passingham 33 GP 25-5-2 2.34 GAA .930 SV%
Peter Grubauer 50 GP 23-15-7 2.86 GAA .911 SV%


Erie Otters Regular Season Record: 33-28-7 73 PTS 257 GF 259 GA

Erie Leading Scorers:
Zack Torquato 68 GP 93 PTS (31G 62A)
Mike Cazzola 68 GP 86 PTS (36G 50A)
Greg Mckegg 67 GP 85 PTS (37G 48A)


Erie Goaltending:
Adam Courchaine 48 GP 20-24-2 3.24 GAA .906 SV%
Ramis Sadikov 25 GP 9-10-3 4.02 GAA .890 SV%
Jaroslav Janus 13 GP 7-4-2 2.81 GAA .918 SV%


All Windsor Spitfires Home Games are @ WFCU Center

All Erie Otters Home Games are @ Tullio Arena

3/18, Game 1: @ Windsor 6:05 PM

3/21, Game 2: @ Erie 3:30 PM

3/23, Game 3: @ Windsor 6:00 PM

3/25, Game 4: @ Erie 6:00 PM

3/27, Game 5: @ Windsor 6:05 PM*

3/29, Game 6: @ Erie 6:00 PM*

3/30, Game 7: @ Windsor 6:05 PM*

*If Necessary


#2 London Knights VS. #7 Guelph Storm

London Knights Regular Season Record: 49-16-3 101 PTS, 273 GF 208 GA

London Leading Scorers:
Nazem Kadri 56 GP 93 PTS (35G 58A)
Steven Tarasuk 67 GP 67 PTS (19G 48A)
Justin Taylor 68 GP 62 PTS (33G 29A)

London Goaltending
Michael Hutchinson 46 GP 32-12-2 2.86 GAA .913 SV%
Michael Houser 25 GP 17-4-1 3.10 GAA .900 SV%


Guelph Storm Regular Season Record: 35-29-4 74 PTS 242 GF 255 GA

Guelph Scoring Leaders:
Taylor Beck 61 GP 93 PTS (39G 54A)
Peter Holland 59 GP 80 PTS (30G 50A)
Michael Latta 58 GP 73 PTS (33G 40A)

Guelph Goaltending
Brandon Foyte 29 GP 20-8-1 3.07 GAA .913 SV%
Cody St. Jacques 26 GP 9-14-2 3.83 GAA .898 SV%
Matt Hoyle 16 GP 5-7-1 4.44 GAA .881 SV%


London Knights Home Games are @ the John Labatt Center

Guelph Storm Home Games are @ Sleeman Center

3/19, Game 1: @ London 6:00 PM

3/21, Game 2: @ Guelph 1:00 PM

3/23, Game 3: @ London 6:00 PM

3/25, Game 4: @ Guelph 6:00 PM

3/26, Game 5: @ London 6:30 PM*

3/28, Game 6: @ Guelph 6:30 PM*

3/30, Game 7: @ London 6:00 PM*

*If Necessary


#3 Kitchener Rangers VS. #6 Saginaw Spirit

Kitchener Rangers Regular Season Record: 42-19-7 91 PTS, 286 GF 236 GA

Kitchener Scoring Leaders
Jeff Skinner 64 GP 90 PTS (50G 40A)
Chris Mackinnon 64 GP 90 PTS (29G 61A)
Jeremy Morin 58 GP 83 PTS (47G 36A)

Kitchener Goaltending
Brandon Maxwell 41 GP 22-14-4 3.73 GAA .901 SV%
Mike Morrison 11 GP 6-2-2 3.33 GAA .896 SV%


Saginaw Spirit Regular Season Record: 34-27-7 75 PTS

Saginaw Scoring Leaders
Jordan Skellett 66 GP 88 PTS (26G 62A)
Josh Shalla 68 GP 65 PTS (32G 33A)
Jordan Szwarz 65 GP 54 PTS (26G 28A)

Saginaw Goalie Leaders
Edward Pasquale 51 GP 27-17-5 3.17 GAA .916 SV%
Tadeas Galansky 8 GP 3-4-0 3.66 GAA .915 SV%

All Kitchener Rangers Home Games are @ Kitchener Memorial Auditourm

All Saginaw Spirit Home Games are @ Dow Event Center

3/19, Game 1: @ Kitchener 6:30 PM

3/20, Game 2: @ Saginaw 6:11 PM

3/22, Game 3: @ Kitchener 6:30 PM

3/24, Game 4: @ Saginaw 6:11 PM

3/26, Game 5: @ Kitchener 6:30 PM*

3/28, Game 6: @ Saginaw 3:00 PM*

3/30, Game 7: @ Kitchener 6:30 PM*

*If Necessary


#4 Plymouth Whalers VS. #5 Sault St. Marie Greyhounds

Plymouth Whalers Regular Season Record: 38-27-3 79 PTS, 245 GF 201 GA


Plymouth Leading Scorers:
Tyler Seguin 63 GP 106 PTS (48G 58A) (2009-2010 OHL Scoring Champion)
AJ Jenks 52 GP 63 PTS (23G 40A)
Phil Mcrea 52 GP 51 PTS (16G 35A)

Plymouth Goaltending
Matt Hacket 56 GP 33-18-3 2.62 GAA .925 SV%
Scott Wedgewood 18 GP 5-9-0 3.26 GAA .909 SV%


Sault St. Marie Greyhounds Regular Season Record: 36-27-5 77 PTS

Sault St. Marie Scoring Leaders
Jacob Muzzen 64 GP 67 PTS (15G 52A)
Brett Thompson 67 GP 65 PTS (42G 23A)
Vern Cooper 61 GP 65 PTS (25G 40A)

Sault St. Marie Goalies
Robin Lehner 47 GP 27-13-3 2.80 GAA .918 SV%
Bryce O'Hagan 28 GP 9-14-2 3.24 GAA .889 SV%


All Plymouth Whalers Games are @ Compuware Center

All Sault St. Marie Greyhounds Home Games are @ Essar Center


3/19, Game 1: @ Plymouth 6:05 PM

3/20, Game 2: @ Plymouth 6:05 PM

3/23, Game 3: @ Sault St. Marie 6:05 PM

3/24, Game 4: @ Sault St. Marie 6:05 PM

3/26, Game 5: @ Plymouth 6:05 PM*

3/28, Game 6: @ Sault St. Marie 6:05 PM*

3/30, Game 7: @ Plymouth 6:05 PM*

*If Necessary

Ontario Hockey League Eastern Conference 1st Round Playoff Schedule

With the Ontario Hockey League Playoffs beginning on Thrusday Night. The full first Round Schedule is now out with a majority of series' getting underway on Friday Night. This year, the Ontario Hockey League has been mostly a top heavy league with a handful of teams that have been running away with the top of both Conferences.

In the east, the Barrie Colts took advantage of a mostly weak Eastern Conference to pile up 110 points and 1st overall in the league to claim homeice over defending OHL & Memorial Cup Champion Windsor Spitfires.

Elsewhere in the East, the Ottawa 67s won what was a balanced but pretty weak East Division where Ottawa had only 82 points and where the bottom 2 teams in the Eastern Conference in the Oshawa Generals and Belleville Bulls who got to the Eastern Conference Final before losing to the Conference Champion Brampton Battalion.

In the East, expect Barrie to crush the competition in the early rounds. Then in the Eastern Conference Final where I think the Mississauga St. Micheals Majors are the only team I think that has a realastic shot of knocking the Colts off.

With the execption of maybe Brampton Battalion, the bottom 3 teams will be huge underdogs as the Peterborough Petes, Sudbury Wolves and Niagara Icedogs will be looking to pull off huge upsets in a league where the gap between the top and the rest is one of the biggest in years here in the OHL. If any of these 3 teams can make it a close series even, that will be a big moral victory in the OHL Eastern Conference.

If the playoffs go as many expect it to with the Windsor Spitfires and Barrie Colts meeting in the OHL Championships in pretty shot order and with few losses by either team. We could have a Final for the Ages to crown the OHL Champions and to determine who will play for the Memorial Cup in Brandon, MB in late May.

For more info on the OHL Playoffs, Log onto www.ontariohockeyleague.com


#1 Barrie Colts VS. #8 Sudbury Wolves

Barrie Colts Regular Season Record: 57-9-2 116 PTS 327 GF 186 GA

Barrie Leading Scorers:
Luke Pither 67 GP 94 PTS (36G 58A)
Alex Hutchings 68 GP 81 PTS (47G 34A)
Bryan Cameron 62 GP 78 PTS (53G 25A)

Barrie Goaltending:
Marvic Parks 33 GP 25-5-2 2.34 GAA .930 SV%
Peter Di Savo 50 GP 38-6-1 2.74 GAA .915 SV%


Sudbury Wolves Regular Season Record: 26-36-7 59 PTS 193 GF 267 GA

Sudbury Leading Scores:
Eric O'Dell 68 GP 68 PTS (33G 35A)
John Mcfarland 64 GP 50 PTS (20G 30A)
Jared Staal 64 GP 49 PTS (12G 37A)

Sudbury Goaltending:
Andrew Loverock 41 GP 15-17-5 3.51 GAA .902 SV%
Alain Valiquette 40 GP 11-18-2 3.86 GAA .894 SV%


All Barrie Colts Home Games are @ Barrie Molson Center

All Sudbury Wolves Home Games are @ Sudbury Community Center

Game 1, 3/18: @ Barrie 6:30 PM

Game 2, 3/20: @ Sudbury 6:30 PM

Game 3, 3/21: @ Barrie 5:00 PM

Game 4, 3/24: @ Sudbury 6:30 PM

Game 5, 3/26: @ Barrie 6:30 PM*

Game 6, 3/29: @ Sudbury 6:30 PM*

Game 7, 3/30: @ Barrie 6:30 PM*

*If Necessary


#2 Ottawa 67s VS. #7 Niagara Icedogs

Ottawa 67s Regular Season Record: 37-23-8 82 PTS, 246 GF 219 GA

Ottawa Leading Scorers:
Cody Lindsay 68 GP 82 PTS (39G 43A)
Tyler Toffoli 65 GP 79 PTS (37G 42A)
Anthony Nigro 61 GP 62 PTS (16G 46A)

Ottawa Goaltending:
Petr Mrazek 30 GP 12-9-1 3.00 GA .905 SV%,
Chris Perugini 46 GP 25-14-7 3.07 GAA .905 SV%


Niagara Icedogs Regular Season Record: 26-34-8 60 PTS, 191 GF 233 GA

Niagara Leading Scorers:
Andrew Agozzino 68 GP 66 PTS (37G 29A)
Alex Friesen 60 GP 60 PTS (23G 37A)
Freddie Hamilton 64 GP 55 PTS (25G 30A)

Niagara Goaltending:
Mark Visentin 55 GP 24-26-5 2.99 GAA .911 SV%,
John Chartrand 7 GP 1-4-0 3.84 GAA .878 SV%


All Ottawa 67s Home Games are @ Ottawa Civic Center

All Niagara Icedogs Home Games are @ Gatorade Garden City Complex

Game 1, 3/19: @ Ottawa 6:30 PM

Game 2, 3/21: @ Ottawa 1:00 PM

Game 3, 3/23: @ Niagara 6:30 PM

Game 4, 3/25: @ Niagara 6:30 PM

Game 5, 3/28: @ Ottawa 12:00 PM*

Game 6, 3/29: @ Niagara 6:30 PM*

Game 7, 3/30: @ Ottawa 6:30 PM*

*If Necessary


#3 Mississauga St. Micheals Majors VS. #6 Peterborough Petes

Mississauga St. Micheals Majors Regular Season Record: 42-20-6 90 PTS, 222 GF 175 GA

Mississauga Leading Scorers:
Devante Smith-Pelly 60 GP 62 PTS (29G 33A)
Casey Cizikas 68 GP 62 PTS (25G 37A)
Jordan Mayer 68 GP 50 PTS (31G 19A)

Mississauga Goaltending:
Chris Carrozzi 19-10-5 2.36 GAA .916 SV%,
JP Anderson 23-10-1 2.60 GAA .899 SV%


Peterborough Petes Regular Season Record: 29-35-4 62 PTS, 231 GF, 277 GA

Peterborough Leading Scorers:
Pat Daley 64 GP 73 PTS (28G 45A),
Matt Pumpel 59 GP 64 PTS (33G 31A)
Austin Watson 52 GP 54 PTS (20G 34A)

Peterborough Goaltending:
Jason Missiaen: 59 GP 27-29-3 3.68 GAA .901 SV%
Andrew D'Agostini: 17 GP 2-6-1 4.45 GAA .864 SV%


All Mississauga St. Micheals Majors Home Games are @ Hershey Center

All Peterborough Petes Home Games are @ Peterborough Memorial Center

Game 1, 3/19: @ Mississauga 6:30 PM

Game 2, 3/22: @ Peterborough 6:00 PM

Game 3, 3/23: @ Mississauga 6:00 PM

Game 4, 3/25: @ Peterborough 6:00 PM

Game 5, 3/27: @ Mississauga 6:00 PM*

Game 6, 3/28: @ Peterborough 6:00 PM

Game 7, 3/30: @ Mississauga 6:00 PM*


#4 Kingston Frontenacs VS. #5 Brampton Battalion

Kingston Frontenacs Regular Season Record: 33-30-5 71 PTS 229 GF 251 GA

Kingston Leading Scorers:
Luke Pither 67 GP 94 PTS (36G 58A)
Alex Hutchings 68 GP 81 PTS (47G 34A)
Bryan Cameroon 62 GP 78 PTS (53G 25A)


Kingston Goaltending
John Cullen 16 GP 4-3-1 3.03 GAA .919 SV%
Tyler Beskorowany 62 GP 29-25-4 3.52 GAA .903 SV%


Brampton Battalion Regular Season Record: 25-29-14 64 PTS 167 GF 181 GA

Brampton Scoring Leaders
Sean Jones 68 GP 49 PTS (32G 17A)
Sam Carrick 66 GP 42 PTS (21G 21A)
Scott Tanski 54 GP 34 PTS (15G 19A)

Brampton Goaltending
Patrick Killenn 63 GP 23-25-13 2.42 GAA .913 SV%
Jacob Riley 10 GP 2-4-1 2.56 GAA .898 SV%


All Kingston Frontenacs Home Games are @ K-Rock Center

All Brampton Battalion Home Games are @ Powerade Center


Game 1, 3/19: @ Kingston 6:30 PM

Game 2, 3/21: @ Brampton 1:00 PM

Game 3, 3/23: @ Kingston 6:00 PM

Game 4, 3/25: @ Brampton 6:00 PM

Game 5, 3/26: @ Kingston 6:30 PM*

Game 6, 3/28: @ Brampton 1:00 PM*

Game 7, 3/30: @ Kingston 6:00 PM*

*If Necessary

Western Hockey League Eastern Conference Quarterfinals

The Western Hockey League's Eastern Conference is shaping up to be the toughest Conference to advance from in this year's Road to the Memorial Cup. With the top 3 teams looking to battle who all have 100+ points as the Calgary Hitmen were probably one of the big surprises in Brandon Kozun carrying the scoring load and at 107 points, earned him the WHL's Scoring Title this season.

Brandon is looking to their forwards of Matt Calvert, Brayden Schenn and Scott Glennie to have another long playoff run before running into the Calgary Hitmen who were just a buzzsaw during the Eastern Conference Playoffs last season. In addidition to the top 3, the Wheat Kings are loaded with scoring options with 8 players scoring at least 20 goals this season.

Brandon's Goaltending has improved a lot over the course of the regular season when the Wheat Kings brought Jacob De Serres who started the year as Calvin Pickard's Backup in Seattle. In 32 games with the Kings this season, he had an impressive 25-5-1 and gave up just 83 goals during the season.

Saskatoon boast a strong defense as the Blades come in to the Playoffs with some strong and big guys. The Blades boast a big Defensemen line with all but 2 D-Men being 6'0" or taller. So the Blades have the ability to beat you up as well. Defensemen Scoring could be key for a strong run in which they looking for redemption after losing to the Lethbridge Hurricanes after finishing 2nd in the East last year.

On Defense, Colby Robak finished 4th in Defensemen Scoring with 66 points (16G 50A) this season. Saskatoon also has Travis Hamonic and Alexander Urbom who are dangerous on the blueline as well.

The always enterainting 4-5 series will have the Medicine Hat Tigers and the Kootenay Ice who was one of the best teams in the 2nd half of the season. One of the more promosing Americans in this year's Draft Class is California Native Emerson Etem who was in the Top Prospects Game this season and scored 37 goals this season.

Kootenay has one of the more underrated goalies who played an impressive 55 games for a goalie at this level and had a 2.75 GAA who has improved his game big time since starting the season with the Moose Jaw Warriors.

The League's bottom 3 teams in Red Deer, Swift Current and Moose Jaw are looking to raise some havoic and cause an upset this season.

Red Deer has a great scorer in Willie Coetzee who's looking to get back in the grove in the post-season. During the last part of the regular season he scored just 5 goals in the last 11 games, but he's had 2 major scoring droughts with an 8 game drought back in Feb. and he's currently on a 5 game scoring drought to end the regular season.

Also look for Slovak Stud in Andrej Kudrna who scored 30 this season for the Rebels after getting traded from Vancouver early on in the season after a bad start to the season. He has also 24 assists, but needs to improve his defense as he's a -11 this season. This is a start regression after his season with Vancouver where he was a +9 for the season.

Swift Current and Moose Jaw were able to pull away from Prince Albert in the final month of the regular season. For Swift Current especially, they will need to be able to cool off the fire power that Brandon will be brining. The Broncos have Cody Eakin who finished in a tie for 3rd in goals with 47 this season along with Brandon's Matt Calvert. The question, can any of the secondary scoring come through with players like Justin Dowling and Michael Stickland

Moose Jaw fizzled after the first couple of months of the season. The major issue for the Warriors is the lack of defense that has kept the Warriors down this season, they don't have a fast defense to keep up with teams like Calgary and Brandon in the Eastern Conference and this won't be a great matchup for the Warriors against the Hitmen to start the playoffs.

#1 Calgary Hitmen VS. #8 Moose Jaw Warriors

Calgary Hitmen Regular Season Record: 52-17-3 107 PTS 269 GF 177 GA

Calgary Leading Scorers

Brandon Kozun 65 GP 107 PTS (32G 75A) (WHL Scoring Champion)

Tyler Shattock 72 GP 78 PTS (30G 48A)

Joel Broda 66 GP 73 PTS (39G 34A)

Calgary Goaltending

Martin Jones 48 GP 36-11-1 2.21 GAA .919 SV%

Michael Snider 24 GP 16-5-2 2.54 GAA .901 SV%

Moose Jaw Warriors Regular Season Record: 33-27-12 78 PTS, 243 GF 247 GA

Moose Jaw Leading Scorers

Quinton Howden 65 GP 65 PTS (28G 37A)

Jason Bast 60 GP 64 PTS (33G 31A)

Brenden Rowinski 68 GP 61 PTS (30G 31A)

Moose Jaw Goaltending

Jeff Bosch 24-19-6 3.18 GAA .903 SV%

Brandon Glover 30 GP 9-8-6 3.40 GAA .890 SV%

All Calgary Hitmen Home Games are @ Pengrowth Saddledome

All Moose Jaw Warriors Home Games are @ Moose Jaw Civic Center

Game 1, 3/18: @ Calgary 8:00 PM

Game 2, 3/20: @ Calgary 8:00 PM

Game 3, 3/22: @ Moose Jaw 8:00 PM

Game 4, 3/23: @ Moose Jaw 8:00 PM

Game 5, 3/25: @ Calgary 8:00 PM*

Game 6, 3/27: @ Moose Jaw 8:00 PM*

Game 7, 3/29: @ Calgary 8:00 PM*

*If Necessary

#2 Brandon Wheat Kings VS. #7 Swift Current Broncos

Brandon Wheat Kings Regular Season Record: 50-18-4

Brandon Wheat Kings Leading Scorers

Matt Calvert 68 GP 99 PTS (47G 52A)

Brayden Schenn 59 GP 99 PTS (34G 65A)

Scott Glennie 66 GP 89 PTS (32G 57A)

Brandon Wheat Kings Goalies

Andrew Hayes 42 GP 25-12-2 2.68 GAA .906 SV%

Jacob De Serres 35 GP 25-8-2 2.91 GAA .899 SV%

Swift Current Broncos Regular Season Record: 37-30-5 79 PTS, 231 GF 232 GA

Swift Current Top Scorers

Cody Eakin 70 GP 91 PTS (47G 44A)

Justin Dowling 72 GP 78 PTS (32G 46A)

Michael Stickland 69 GP 57 PTS (25G 32A)

Swift Current Goaltending

Morgan Clark 46 GP 24-14-3 2.92 GAA .907 SV%

Mark Friesen 47 GP 17-20-5 3.17 GAA .899 SV%

All Brandon Wheat Kings Home Games are @ Westman Place

All Swift Current Broncos Home Games are @ Credit Union I-Plex

Game 1, 3/19: @ Brandon 7:30 PM

Game 2, 3/20: @ Brandon 7:30 PM

Game 3, 3/23: @ Swift Current 8:00 PM

Game 4, 3/24: @ Swift Current 8:00 PM

Game 5, 3/26: @ Brandon 7:30 PM*

Game 6, 3/29: @ Swift Current 8:00 PM*

Game 7, 3/31: @ Brandon 7:00 PM*

*If Necessary

#3 Saskatoon Blades VS. #6 Red Deer Rebels

Saskatoon Blades Regular Season Schedule: 46-19-7 99 PTS, 258 GF 227 GA

Saskatoon Leading Scorers

Derek Hulak 72 GP 84 PTS (31G 53A)

Walker Wintoneak 70 GP 74 PTS (25G 49A)

Stefan Elliott 72 GP 65 PTS (26G 39A)

Saskatoon Goaltending

Steven Sanford 44 GP 28-8-4 2.72 GAA .902 SV%

Adam Morrison 36 GP 18-13-3 3.29 GAA .895 SV%

Red Deer Rebels Regular Season Record: 39-28-5 83 PTS, 202 GF 222 GA

Red Deer Leading Scorers

Willie Coetzee 72 GP 81 PTS (29G 52A)

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins 67 GP 65 PTS (24G 41A)

Andrej Kudrna 69 GP 54 PTS (30G 24A)

Red Deer Goaltending

Darcy Kuemper 61 GP 28-23-4 2.73 GAA .908SV%

Kraymer Barnstable 27 GP 11-5-1 3.32 GAA .888 SV%

All Saskatoon Blades Games are @ Credit Union Center

All Red Deer Rebels Games are @ Enmax Centrium

Game 1, 3/20: @ Saskatoon 8:05 PM

Game 2, 3/21: @ Saskatoon 8:05 PM

Game 3, 3/24: @ Red Deer 8:00 PM

Game 4, 3/25: @ Red Deer 8:00 PM

Game 5, 3/27: @ Saskatoon 8:05 PM*

Game 6, 3/29: @ Red Deer 8:00 PM*

Game 7, 3/31: @ Saskatoon 8:05 PM*

*If Necessary

#4 Kootenay Ice VS. #5 Medicine Hat Tigers

Kootenay Ice Regular Season Record: 43-24-5 91 PTS, 252 GF 215 GA

Kootenay Leading Scorers

Dustin Sylvester 68 GP 93 PTS (35G 58 A)

Steele Boomer 71 GP 67 PTS (26G 41 A)

Kevin King 69 GP 63 PTS (28 G 35 A)

Kootenay Goaltending

Todd Mathews 55 GP 33-14-5 2.75 GAA .907 SV%

Nathan Lieuwen 26 GP 10-10-0 3.09 GAA .896 SV%

Medicine Hat Tigers Regular Season Record: 41-23-8 90 PTS, 276 GF 232 GA

Medicine Hat Scoring Leaders

Linden Vey 72 GP 75 PTS (24G 51A)

Wacey Hamilton 67 GP 71 PTS (24G 47A)

Bretton Cameron 68 GP 67 PTS (40G 27A)

Medicine Hat Goaltending

Tyler Bunz 57 GP 31-19-5 2.91 GAA .898 SV%

Deven Dubyk 21 GP 9-4-2 3.45 GAA .896 SV%

All Kootenay Ice Home Games are @ Cranbrook Rec. Place

All Medicine Hat Tigers Games are @ Medicine Hat Arena

Game 1, 3/19: @ Kootenay 8:00 PM

Game 2, 3/20: @ Kootenay 8:00 PM

Game 3, 3/23: @ Medicine Hat 8:00 PM

Game 4, 3/24: @ Medicine Hat 8:00 PM

Game 5, 3/26: @ Kootenay 8:00 PM*

Game 6, 3/28: @ Medicine Hat 7:30 PM*

Game 7, 3/30: @ Kootenay 8:00 PM*

*If Necessary