Poll Question: Will the Dallas Stars make the Stanley Cup Playoffs

After last night's 3rd period comeback to defeat the Chicago Blackhawks 3-1 last night and a Phoenix Coyotes 4-3 Shootout victory last night. That put the Dallas Stars (8th Place), Calgary Flames (9th Place) & the Los Angeles Kings (10th Place) all tied with 66 points.

Tonight is a very critical night in the playoff chase as the Stars have a chance to claim 8th Place all by themselves with both the Flames & Kings having the night off tonight and to gain ground on the Phoenix Coyotes who helped them out after coming back from 2-0 down and fighting off a desperate Flames in OT after Calgary scored to tie the game with 1:48 left in the 3rd period by Olli Jokinen to save the Flames last night.

The Stars will look to win their 1st game on the 2nd night of a back-to-back all season and against another team in the Minnesota Wild who sit in 12th Place (27-24-9) and are just 3 points back of CGY, DAL & LA & can make this race even tighter by over taking the Colorado Avalanche who are playing the Columbus Blue Jackets who are currently the worst team in the league and are well on their way to having the #1 Overall Draft Pick this summer. So that makes tonight's Stars Game VS. Minnesota even more important tonight to get away from the playoff chase and to get further into the playoff race this season.

So the Poll question is simple, can the Stars end their 3 year Stanley Cup Playoff Drought and get back to the Playoffs this year? I want to hear from you with your comments & Votes on your thoughts on the Stars as they enter the final 21 games of the regular season which will wrap up on April 7 against the St. Louis Blues.

Dallas Stars VS. Minnesota Wild Preview

Here's a look at the next 5 games for the Dallas Stars, Calgary Flames & Los Angeles Kings as the battle for the playoffs heats up at the end of February.

Dallas Stars

2/24: VS. Minnesota Wild  7:30 PM

2/26: VS. Vancouver Canucks  2:00 PM

2/29: VS. Pittsburgh Penguins  6:30 PM

3/2: @ Edmonton Oilers  8:30 PM

3/4: @ Calgary Flames  5:00 PM

Los Angeles Kings

2/25: VS. Chicago Blackhawks  7:00 PM

2/27: @ Nashville Predators  7:00 PM

2/28: VS. Minnesota Wild  6:30 PM

3/3: VS. Anaheim Ducks  9:30 PM

3/6: @ Nashville Predators  7:00 PM

Calgary Flames

2/25: VS. Philadelphia Flyers 9:00 PM

2/27: VS. St. Louis Blues  8:00 PM

3/1: VS. @ Phoenix Coyotes 8:00 PM

3/2: @ Anaheim Ducks  9:00 PM

3/4: VS. Dallas Stars  5:00 PM



Texas Stars lose 1st of 2 games in BC to Abbotsford

Thursday Night's AHL Game in Abbotsford, BC brought teams on opposite sides of the West Division Standings as the Heat continue to fight with Houston & OKC for both the West Division & Western Conference Lead in the AHL Western Conference. While Texas is looking to get out of the Western Conference Outhouse as the Stars continue to not be able to get above .500 again last night. The Stars & Heat will faceoff again tonight at 9:00 PM tonight where you can listen online on ESPN Austin.

In addition to the Texas Stars VS. Abbotsford Heat in their 2nd game of the back-to-back, the San Antonio Rampage & Houston Aeros faceoff tonight at 7:00 PM Tonight as well.

Texas Stars 3  Abbotsford Heat 5  (1-2, 2-2, 0-2)

Press Release from the Texas Stars Website

Texas Stars VS. Abbotsford Heat 12/30 Preview

From Abbotsford, B.C.: The Texas Stars (14-15-1 29 PTS) were defeated by the Abbotsford Heat (21-9-2, 44 PTS) 5-3 in front of 3,064 fans at the Abbotsford Entrainment & Sports Center on Thursday Night. Heat Goalie Danny Taylor made 42 saves and forward Krys Kolanos added 3 points in the team's third straight win over the Stars this season. Taylor stopped 16 shots in the 2nd period and all 13 in the 3rd period to improve to 11-5-0 on the season. Kolanos scored once and added two assists, as Abbotsford extended their streak to five straight games with a point on home ice. Heat forward Jon Rheault set up three goals, as his team moved to 7-4-0 against Texas all time. Forwards Stephen Schultz, Scott Glennie, & Colton Sceviour each scored, as Texas falls to 8-8-0 on the road this year. Texas Goalie Tyler Beskorowany (6-9-0) stopped 24 shots in the defeat. Texas remains in Abbotsford for a rematch with the Heat tonight on December 30 at 9:00 PM (CT).

The Stars struck first with the games opening goal at 3:59 of the 1st period. Texas rookie Scott Glennie snapped a wrist shot past goalie Danny Taylor from the right wing circle, giving the Stars a 1-0 lead. The Heat answered back with a pair of goals in less then five minutes, starting with Quintin Laing's 8th goal of the season. Forwards Kris Kolanos and defensemen Brendan Mikkelson each had an assist on the power play goal that tied the game 1-1. Kolanos would give Abbotsford a 2-1 lead at 11:35, scoring his 16th goal of the year off a wraparound. Forwards Jon Rheault & Ben Walter both picked up an assist, as the Heat carried a 2-1 lead into the 1st intermission.

In the 2nd period, the Stars pulled even with the Heat at 4:48 with a goal by Colton Sceviour. Scott Glennie set up Sceviour's 5th goal of the season, tying the game at 2-2. Abbotsford countered to re-gain the lead at 11:42, Akim Aliu scored from behind the Texas Net, banking a shot off the skate off Texas Goalie Beskorowany for his 1st goal of the year and a 3-2 Heat lead. The Stars tied the game for the third time at 14:29, as Stephen Schultz scored his 2nd goal of the year. Schultz slipped a rebound past Danny Taylor after Matt Frasier's first attempt was blocked. Travis Morin also added an assist on the play, which extended Frasier's scoring streak to 10 games. Heat defensemen Chris Breen pushed Abbotsford back into the lead in front 4-3 at 15:56 of the 2nd period. Breen lifted a shot from the left point, through traffic and past Beskorowany for his 1st goal of the year.

In the 3rd period, Heat forward Guillaume Desbiens scored his second goal of the season at 13:22 for the 5-3 Abbotsford lead. Jon Rheault set up the goal, registering his third assist of the night.

The Stars play in Abbotsford for one more game on December 30. The team will also play in San Antonio on January 6, prior to returning home on January 7 to host Rockford at 7:00 PM. The 1st 2,500 fans to the game will receive a Texas Stars Team Calender, compliments of A+ Federal Credit Union. On Saturday Night, fans may purchase the State Farm Family Four Pack, which includes four tickets, four hot dogs and four sodas for $48.

Individual tickets for all games are now on sale. Tickets are available on line at the Texas Stars Website or by calling 512-GO-STARS (512-467-8277).

2011-2012 Season Seat Packages are on sale now. For more info on Texas Stars Season Tickets call 512-GO-STARS (512-467-8277) or visit Texas Stars Hockey. Anyone interested season tickets, group tickets or mini-plans may call the Texas Stars Front Office.

Stanley Cup Playoffs 2nd Round Schedule

With the Montreal Canadians finished off the 1st Round in huge fashion by knocking out the top seeded Washington Capitals. That means the top 3 seeds in the Eastern Conference as the Washington Capitals, New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres are done for the season and this leaves the defending Champion Pittsburgh Penguins the top seed at #4.

It will be the Pittsburgh Penguins VS. Montreal Canadains & Boston Bruins VS. Philadelphia Flyers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Who will be able to take advantage after pulling off huge upsets in the 1st Round of the playoffs.

The Western Conference we will have what should be absolute classics as the San Jose Sharks take on the Detroit Red Wings & the Central Division Champion Chicago Blackhawks VS. Vancouver Canucks in the other 2nd Round Series.

The 2nd Round will get underway tonight with San Jose VS. Detroit, Pittsburgh VS. Montreal gets underway tomorrow night while the Chicago VS. Vancouver & Boston VS. Philadelphia Matchups begin on Saturday.

Here's the Conference Semifinals Matchups as the NHL Website released this late last night. All Start Times are CDT.


Eastern Conference

#4 Pittsburgh Penguins VS. #8 Montreal Canadains

Game 1, 4/30: @ Pittsburgh 6:00 PM CBC, Versus

Game 2, 5/2: @ Pittsburgh 1:00 PM NBC, CBC

Game 3, 5/4: @ Montreal 6:00 PM CBC, Versus

Game 4, 5/6: @ Montreal 6:00 PM CBC, Versus

Game 5, 5/8: @ Pittsburgh 6:00 PM CBC, Versus*

Game 6, 5/10: @ Montreal 6:00 PM CBC, Versus*

Game 7, 5/12: @ Pittsburgh TBD CBC, Versus*

*If Necessary


#6 Boston Bruins VS. #7 Philadelphia Flyers

Game 1, 5/1: @ Boston 11:30 AM NBC, TSN

Game 2, 5/3: @ Boston 6:00 PM Versus, TSN

Game 3, 5/5: @ Philadelphia 6:00 PM Versus, TSN

Game 4, 5/7: @ Philadelphia 6:00 PM Versus, TSN

Game 5, 5/10: @ Boston 6:00 PM Versus, TSN*

Game 6, 5/12: @ Philadelphia TBD Versus, TSN*

Game 7, 5/14: @ Boston 6:00 PM Versus, TSN*

*If Necessary


Western Conference

#1 San Jose Sharks VS. #5 Detroit Red Wings

Game 1, 4/29: @ San Jose 8:00 PM Versus, TSN

Game 2, 5/2: @ San Jose 7:00 PM Versus, TSN

Game 3, 5/4: @ Detroit 6:30 PM Versus, TSN

Game 4, 5/6: @ Detroit 6:30 PM Versus, TSN

Game 5, 5/8: @ San Jose 9:00 PM Versus, TSN*

Game 6, 5/10: @ Detroit 6:30 PM Versus, TSN*

Game 7, 5/12: @ San Jose TBD Versus, TSN*


#2 Chicago Blackhawks VS. #3 Vancouver Canucks

Game 1, 5/1: @ Chicago 7:00 PM Versus, CBC

Game 2, 5/3: @ Chicago 7:00 PM Versus, CBC

Game 3, 5/5: @ Vancouver 8:30 PM Versus, CBC

Game 4, 5/7: @ Vancouver 8:30 PM Versus, CBC

Game 5, 5/9: @ Chicago 7:00 PM Versus, CBC*

Game 6, 5/11: @ Vancouver 8:30 PM Versus CBC*

Game 7, 5/13: @ Chicago 7:00 PM Versus, CBC*

*If Necessary

Western HOckey League Conference Finals Schedule & Preview

The top 4 seeds in the Western Hockey League playoffs are going to fight it out for the WHL Championship and the Memorial Cup as the 4 division Champions are the only left standings. The Calgary Hitmen (Central Division), The Brandon Wheat Kings (East Division), Vancouver Giants (BC Division), and the Tri-City Americans (U.S.A. Division) all have quality teams that have the ability to win the championship.

However, will the amount of talent and long series take a toll on the WHL Champion's ability to compete for the Memorial Cup next month in Brandon, Manitoba.

Note: If the Brandon Wheat Kings advance to the WHL Championship Series, the Western Conference Champions will automatically advance to the Memorial Cup due to the Wheat Kings hosting the tournament.

The Brandon Wheat Kings have one thing on their mind, REVENGE! After falling in a series sweep in last year's Eastern Conference Final, the Wheat Kings will have a bounty on the Hitmen as they look to knockout the Hitmen with players like Matt Calvert and Scott Glennie among a huge cast that has the speed, scoring ability and the size that can eventually ware down the Hitmen.

Brandon's scoring ability is massive, after a regular season where 8 players scored 20 or more goals. The Wheat Kings have been able to continue to spread the scoring threats as Brayden Schenn with 15 points (7G 8A), also Brent Raedeke, Matt Calvert, and Aaron Lewadniuk who has 5 or more goals so far in the playoffs. In Net, both Jacob De Serres is an impressive 7-1 in the playoffs with a 2.79 GAA in the playoffs as he looks to improve as the games start to get bigger and bigger as the road to the Memorial Cup continues.

Calgary will respond with players like Brandon Kozoun who's leading the league in assists with 13. If the Hitmen are going to need improve their special teams as the Wheat Kings have been very strong on the special teams and have the among the best in the entire major junior playoffs.

Can the Hitmen pull off another big series win over the Wheat Kings or will the Wheat Kings get their revenge.

The Western Conference will have the Tri-City Americans breathing easier as the Americans have avoided a possible big time showdown against the US Division Rival Portland Winterhawks. Many thought that with the U.S. Division being the strongest in the league, that we would have an all US Matchup for the Western Conference Final between the Americans & Winterhawks.

Now it's the Vancouver Giants lead by leading scorers Craig Cunningham and Brendan Gallagher who among the scoring leaders with 19 & 18 points. Including Cunningham who leads all players with 19 points (11G 8A). You also have Lance Bouma who's among the top assists getter's with 11 in 10 games played. For the Giants concerns, it may be in net as Mark Segan hasn't found a way to up his game after his 2.66 GAA during the regular season with a 3.59 GAA so far in 10 playoff games in the post-season against the Chilliwack Bruins & the Portland Winterhawks so far in the post-season.

Tri-City will be looking to Dergei Drozd & Brooks Macek who's speed and overall game has taken them to the Conference Final. The Americans are starting to get better as the playoffs go on. Despite playing the 8th seeded Chilliwack Bruins and 6th seeded Kelowna Rockets, this team is playoff updates as the have had some very tough matchups. The Experience of the Kelowna Rockets with players like Mark Guggenberger who have been able to challenge the Americans championship hopes.

Perhaps the Americans secrets weapon is goaltender Drew Owsley has improved his game throughout his junior career since he started last year with the Americans. During the regular season, the Americans goalie has improved his GAA from 2.94 last year where he played just 17 games (Mostly late in the Season), to a great 2.23 this year in the playoffs. After a few struggles against Chilliwack, he's starting to get into his grove as he hasn't been able to give up more then 3 goals and had a shutout against Kelowna in Game 3 of the Conference Semifinals.


Here's a look WHL Conference Finals Schedules. The Winners will compete for the WHL Championship.

Eastern Conference Final


#1 Calgary Hitmen VS. #2 Brandon Wheat Kings

Calgary Hitmen Road to the Memorial Cup

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

East QFS VS. Moose Jaw: Game 1 2-4 L, Game 2 1-4 L, Game 3 7-3 W, Game 4 3-4 L, Game 5 5-2 W, Game 6 7-3 W, Game 7 6-2 W

East SFS VS. Medicine Hat: Game 1 5-2 W, Game 2 4-0 W, Game 3 3-4 OTL, Game 4 4-1 W, Game 5 2-5 L, Game 6 3-2 OTW


Calgary Scoring Leaders
Brandon Kozun 13 GP 18 PTS (5G 13A, +3)
Tyler Shattock 13 GP 15 PTS (5G 10A, +7)
Joel Broda 13 GP 10 PTS (8G 2A, +2)


Calgary Goaltending
Martin Jones 13 GP 8-5 2.69 GAA .897 SV%


Brandon Wheat Kings Road to the Memorial Cup

Regular Season Record: 50-18-4 104 PTS, 321 GF 204 GA

East QFS VS. Swift Current: Game 1 5-2 W, Game 2 5-3 W, Game 3 5-2 W, Game 4 3-2 OTW

East SFS VS. Saskatoon: Game 1 6-2 W, Game 2 4-1 W, Game 3 4-5 L, Game 4 3-4 L, Game 5 3-2 W, Game 6 5-4 W


Brandon Scoring Leaders
Brayden Schenn 10 GP 15 PTS (7G 8A, +1)
Colby Robak 10 GP 12 PTS (3G 9A, +4)
Aaron Lewadniuk 10 GP 11 PTS (6G 5A, +3)

Brandon Goaltending
Jacob De Serres 8 GP 7-1 2.79 GAA .909 SV%
Andrew Hayes 2 GP 1-1 3.03 GAA .898 SV%


All Calgary Hitmen Home Games are @ Pengrowth Saddledome

All Brandon Wheat Kings Home Games are @ Westman Place

Game 1, 4/16: @ Calgary 8:00 PM

Game 2, 4/17: @ Calgary 8:00 PM

Game 3, 4/20: @ Brandon 7:00 PM

Game 4, 4/21: @ Brandon 7:00 PM

Game 5, 4/23: @ Calgary 8:00 PM*

Game 6, 4/25: @ Brandon 6:00 PM*

Game 7, 4/27: @ Calgary 8:00 PM*

*If Necessary


Western Conference Finals


#1 Tri-City Americans VS. #2 Vancouver Giants

Tri-City Americans Road to the Memorial Cup

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

West QFS VS. Chilliwack: Game 1 4-2 W, Game 2 8-1 W, Game 3 1-5 L, Game 4 4-3 OTW, Game 5 3-4 OTL, Game 6 4-1 W

West SFS VS. Kelowna: Game 1 5-3 W, Game 2 2-3 L, Game 3 2-0 W, Game 4 3-2 W, Game 5 4-3 W


Tri-City Scoring Leaders
Brendan Shinnimin 11 GP 13 PTS (6G 7A, +3)
Brooks Macek 11 GP 13 PTS (4G 9A, +12)
Sergei Drozd 11 GP 12 PTS (7G 5A, +10)

Tri-City Goaltending
Drew Owsley 11 GP 8-3 2.23 GAA .930 SV%
Alexander Pechurskiy 2 GP 0-0 2.93 GAA .920 SV%


Vancouver Giants Road to the Memorial Cup

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

West QFS VS. Kamloops: Game 1 4-3 OTW, Game 2 6-3 W, Game 3 5-4 OTW, Game 4 5-4 W

West SFS VS. Portland: Game 1 9-6 W, Game 2 7-4 W, Game 2 7-4 W, Game 3 2-3 L, Game 4 5-3 W, Game 5 4-5 L, Game 6 3-1 W


Vancouver Scoring Leaders
Craig Cunningham 10 GP 19 PTS (11G 8A, +10)
Brendan Gallagher 10 GP 18 PTS (9G 9A, +13)
Lance Bouma 10 GP 14 PTS (3G 11A, +6)

Vancouver Goaltending
Mark Segal 10 GP 8-2 3.59 GAA .891 SV%


All Tri-City Americans Home Games are @ Toyota Center

All Vancouver Giants Home Games are @ Pacific Coliseum

Game 1, 4/16: @ Tri-City 9:05 PM

Game 2, 4/17: @ Tri-City 9:35 PM

Game 3, 4/20: @ Vancouver 9:00 PM

Game 4, 4/22: @ Vancouver 9:00 PM

Game 5, 4/24: @ Tri-City 3:00 PM*

Game 6, 4/26: @ Vancouver 9:00 PM*

Game 7, 4/27: @ Tri-City 9:05 PM*

*If Necessary

Ontario Hockey League Conference Finals

The last 4 teams in the Ontario Hockey League Semifinals will be in a sense of David of Goliath as the top seeds as the Barrie Colts & Windsor Spitfires who have been unbeaten through the first 2 rounds of the playoffs. For Windsor, their superstar Taylor Hall just silenced Tyler Seguin and the Plymouth Whalers as the Whalers couldn't get anything going in the series as Tyler Seguin was held completely off the scoresheet in the 4 games.

Despite the sour end of the season, Seguin has done more then enough to be in the battle with Taylor Hall for the #1 overall draft pick, we will get a better idea who has the advantage tonight with the NHL Draft Lottery taking place in Toronto tonight.

Kitchener has been in 2 bruising rounds as the Rangers have knocked out the Saginaw Spirit in the Conference Quarterfinals and the London Knights in the 2nd Round. For London, many of them picked the Knights as the one team that could have knocked out either the Windsor Spitfires and/or Barrie Colts for the league championship.

For the Rangers to have a shot, Jeff Skinner will need to continue his great run as he leads the OHL Playoffs in goals with 12 while players like Gabriel Landeskog and Jeremy Morin will need to be strong secondary scorers to keep up with the Spitfires high scoring offense.

Many people thought that Mississauga were still a year or so away from having a shot to win a title with this current group. But the Majors who have one of the youngest teams in the league have shown that they can play with the best of them. Mississauga will need to contuine their strong team game with players like Devante Smith-Pelly and Curtis Cizikas are tied for the team lead with 6 goals.

However, the goaltending is going to need to improve as Chris Carrozzi & JP Anderson will need to up their game to handle Barrie Forwards like Bryan Cameron with 8 goals in the 8 playoff games he's had as the Colts have been unbeaten through the first 2 rounds.

For Barrie & Windsor, the 2 sweeps have the team in confidence and are looking for a head-to-head matchup for the OHL Championship & Memorial Cup Championship Spot.


Eastern Conference Final


#1 Barrie Colts VS. #3 Mississauga St. Michael's Majors

Barrie Colts Road to the Memorial Cup

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

East QFS VS. Sudbury: Game 1 11-4 W, Game 2 2-1 W, Game 3 6-2 W, Game 4 6-3 W

East SFS VS. Brampton: Game 1 5-3 W, Game 2 3-2 OTW, Game 3 5-1 W, Game 4 5-2 W

Barrie Scoring Leaders
Bryan Cameroon 8 GP 13 PTS (8G 5A, +4)
Alexander Burmistov 8 GP 13 PTS (7G 6A, +10)
Luke Pither 8 GP 13 PTS (5G 8A, +5)

Barrie Goaltending
Peter Di Savo 5 GP 5-0 2.57 GAA .911 SV%
Marvic Parks 3 GP 3-0 1.67 GAA .951 SV%


Mississauga St. Micheal's Majors Road to the Memorial Cup

Regular Season Record: 42-20-6 90 PTS, 222 GF 175 GA

East QFS VS. Peterborough: Game 1 4-2 W, Game 2 2-1 W, Game 3 5-3 W, Game 4 3-0 W

East SFS VS. Ottawa: Game 1 4-1 W, Game 2 2-7 L, Game 3 1-2 OTL, Game 4 2-0 W, Game 5 3-6 L, Game 6 3-1 W, Game 7 5-3 W

Mississauga Scoring Leaders
Devante Smith-Pelly 11 GP 12 PTS (6G 6A, +4)
Casey Cizikas 11 GP 11 PTS (6G 5A, +4)
Cameron Gaunce 11 GP 10 PTS (0G 10A, +8)

Mississauga Goaltending
Chris Carrozzi 7 GP 5-1-1 2.21 GAA .925 SV%
JP Anderson 5 GP 3-1 2.54 GAA .917 SV%


All Barrie Colts Home Games are @ Molson Center

All Mississauga St. Micheal's Majors Home Games are @ Hershey Center

Game 1, 4/14: @ Barrie 6:30 PM

Game 2, 4/16: @ Mississauga 6:30 PM

Game 3, 4/17: @ Barrie 6:30 PM

Game 4, 4/19: @ Mississauga 6:00 PM

Game 5, 4/21: @ Barrie 6:30 PM*

Game 6, 4/23: @ Mississauga 6:30 PM*

Game 7, 4/24: @ Barrie 6:30 PM*

*If Necessary


Western Conference Final


#1 Windsor Spitfires VS. #3 Kitchener Rangers

Windsor Spitfires Road to the Memorial Cup

Regular Season Record: 50-12-6 106 PTS, 331 GF 203 GA

West QFS VS. Erie: Game 1 6-2 W, Game 2 3-1 W, Game 3 7-6 W, Game 4 5-1 W

West SFS VS. Plymouth: Game 1 5-1 W, Game 2 5-3 W, Game 3 5-0 W, Game 4 3-2 OTW

Windsor Scoring Leaders
Taylor Hall 8 GP 16 PTS (9G 7A, +12)
Ryan Ellis 8 GP 16 PTS (2G 14A, +8)
Adam Henrique 8 GP 10 PTS (6G 4A, +7)

Windsor Goaltending
Phillip Grubauer 8 GP 8-0 1.99 GAA .914 SV%


Kitchener Rangers Road to the Memorial Cup

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

West QFS VS. Saginaw: Game 1 3-2 OTW, Game 2 1-3 L, Game 3 2-1 W, Game 4 4-1 W, Game 5 2-4 L, Game 6 4-2 W

West SFS VS. London: Game 1 8-5 W, Game 2 5-2 W, Game 3 3-6 L, Game 4 8-7 OTW, Game 5 8-4 W, Game 6 5-3 W, Game 7 8-3 W

Kitchener Scoring Leaders
Jeff Skinner 13 GP 20 PTS (12G 8A, +8)
Chris Mackinnon 13 GP 20 PTS (4G 16A, 0)
Gabriel Landeskog 13 GP 16 PTS (7G 9A, +10)

Kitchener Goaltending
Brandon Maxwell 13 GP 8-5 3.60 GAA .892 SV%


All Windsor Spitfires Home Games are @ WFCU Center

All Kitchener Rangers Home Games are @ Kitchener Memorial Auditorium

Game 1, 4/15: @ Windsor 6:05 PM

Game 2, 4/17: @ Kitchener 6:00 PM

Game 3, 4/18: @ Windsor 6:05 PM

Game 4, 4/20: @ Kitchener 6:00 PM

Game 5, 4/22: @ Windsor 6:05 PM*

Game 6, 4/23: @ Kitchener 6:30 PM*

Game 7, 4/25: @ Windsor 1:05 PM*

*If Necessary

2010 AHL Calder Cup Playoffs: North & West Division Semifinals

Last night I showed the Playoff Matchups and Schedules for the East & Atlantic Divisions that make up the Eastern Conference. Now it's time for the North & West Divisions that make up the Western Conference as the AHL Calder Cup Playoffs that begin on Wednesday Night. For Southwest fans, the Texas Stars are looking to take the strong first season and take into a strong playoff run where they can give the West Division something to think about. Theirs 3 other big matchups that should be really great to follow.

After a horrible start which included a coaching change and bringing in Chris Chelios for a part of the middle part of the season. All of that has helped a lot as the Wolves took the West Division Top Seed as they will take on a Milwaukee Team who was in the Division Title Race for most of the season, but dropped off somewhat after the league All Star Game as the Admirals were never in danger of missing out in the playoffs, but they could have been a much higher seed and have had a much better situation.

Texas will be taking on a Rockford team who might have beat them in the final weekend of the season. But the Stars controlled the regular season series' by winning all but one other game during the regular season, and that other Icehogs win came in a very close game on the road. So the Stars should be going in very confident, the Stars will be going in on a strong team defense by giving up just 198 goals which was 2nd overall in the entire Western Conference only behind the North Division Champion who gave up a league low 182.

Hamilton is a very dangerous team as they could be the Western Conference's biggest threat if the Bulldogs make the Calder Cup, especially against the Hershey Bears as they could have the team that can challenge the Hershey Bears high flying offense. Hamilton has an all Canadian Matchup against Manitoba who have a lot of experience from last year's team that made it to the Calder Cup Final. Overall it's a younger team then last year, don't expect the Bulldogs to taken lightly.

In addition to Texas, Abbotsford has had a strong first season as the Heat were in a battle from 2nd to 5th where the Heat just finished 1 point back of Rochester who will have home ice in this series. I think the Rochester VS. Abbotsford Series has the ponetnital has the chance to be the best out of all the first round series as the Division Semifinals are getting underway.

North Division Semifinals


#1N Hamilton Bulldogs VS. #4N Manitoba Moose

Hamilton Bulldogs Regular Season Record: 52-17-11 115 PTS, 271 GF 182 GA

Hamilton Scoring Leaders
David Desharnais 60 GP 78 PTS (27G 51A, +30)
Brock Trotter 75 GP 77 PTS (36G 41A, +33)
P.K. Subban 77 GP 53 PTS (18G 35A, +46)

Hamilton Goaltending
Cedrick Desjardins 47 GP 29-9-4 2.00 GAA .919 SV%
Curts Sanford 41 GP 23-11-3 2.13 GAA .916 SV%


Manitoba Moose Regular Season Record: 40-33-7 87 PTS, 204 GF 232 GA

Manitoba Scoring Leaders
Marco Rosa 80 GP 55 PTS (22G 35A, +5)
Sergei Shirokov 76 GP 45 PTS (22G 23A, -1)
Peter Olvecky 70 GP 38 PTS (12G 26A, +12)

Manitoba Goaltending
Cory Schneider 60 GP 35-23-2 2.51 GAA .919 SV%
Daren Machesney 21 GP 5-14-0 3.34 GAA .894 SV%


All Hamilton Bulldogs Home Games are @ Copps Coliseum

All Manitoba Moose Home Games are @ MTS Center

Game 1, 4/15: @ Hamilton 6:30 PM

Game 2, 4/17: @ Hamilton 1:00 PM

Game 3, 4/19: @ Manitoba 7:30 PM

Game 4, 4/21: @ Manitoba 7:30 PM

Game 5, 4/23: @ Manitoba 7:30 PM*

Game 6, 4/25: @ Hamilton 6:00 PM*

Game 7, 4/27: @ Hamilton 6:30 PM*

*If Necessary


#2N Rochester Americans VS. #3N Abbotsford Heat

Rochester Americans Regular Season Record: 44-33-3 91 PTS, 253 GF 247 GA

Rochester Scoring Leaders
Jamie Johnson 80 GP 71 PTS (27G 44A, -7)
Chris Taylor 80 GP 61 PTS (17G 44A, -2)
Clay Wilson 75 GP 60 PTS (14G 46A, +22)

Rochester Goaltending
Tyler Plante 27 GP 12-12-1 2.66 GAA .914 SV%
Alexander Salak 48 GP 29-14-0 2.89 GAA .910 SV%


Abbotsford Heat Regular Season Record: 80 GP 39-29-12 90 PTS, 217 GF 231 GA

Abbotsford Scoring Leaders
Jason Jaffray 72 GP 54 PTS (25G 29A, +24)
David Van der Gulik 64 GP 40 PTS (16G 24A, +13)
Cam Cunning 69 GP 38 PTS (19G 19A, +4)

Abbotsford Goaltending
David Shantz 32 GP 15-10-4 2.75 GAA .908 SV%
Leland Irving 35 GP 14-17-2 2.76 GAA .905 SV%


All Rochester Americans Home Games are @ Blue Cross Arena

All Abbotsford Heat Home Games are @ Abbotsford Sports & Enterainment Center

Game 1, 4/15: @ Rochester 6:05 PM

Game 2, 4/17: @ Rochester 6:05 PM

Game 3, 4/19: @ Abbotsford 8:00 PM

Game 4, 4/21: @ Abbotsford 8:00 PM

Game 5, 4/23: @ Abbotsford 8:00 PM*

Game 6, 4/25: @ Rochester 4:05 PM*

Game 7, 4/27: @ Rochester 6:05 PM*

*If Necessary


West Division Semifinals


#1W Chicago Wolves VS. #4W Milwaukee Admirals

Chicago Wolves Regular Season Record: 49-24-7 105 PTS, 264 GF 214 GA

Chicago Scoring Leaders
Jason Krog 78 GP 75 PTS (14G 61A, +17)
Tim Stapleton 73 GP 59 PTS (30G 29A, +22)
Brett Sterling 55 GP 56 PTS (34G 22A, +20)

Chicago Goaltending
Drew Maclntyre 41 GP 20-17-2 2.54 GAA .917 SV%
Peter Mannino 38 GP 26-5-1 2.34 GAA .921 SV%


Milwaukee Admirals Regular Season Record: 41-30-9 91 PTS, 237 GF 220 GA

Milwaukee Scoring Leaders
Mike Santorelli 57 GP 59 PTS (26G 33A, +17)
Robert Dietrich 79 GP 43 PTS (6G 37A, -9)
Hugh Jessman 78 GP 42 PTS (20G 22A, +9)

Milwaukee Goaltending
Mark Dekanich 49 GP 27-16-4 2.33 GAA .914 SV%
Chet Pickard 36 GP 14-16-3 2.85 GAA .892 SV%


All Chicago Wolves Home Games are @ Allstate Arena

All Milwaukee Admirals Home Games are @ Bradley Center

Game 1, 4/14: @ Chicago 7:00 PM

Game 2, 4/16: @ Chicago 7:30 PM

Game 3, 4/17: @ Milwaukee 7:00 PM

Game 4, 4/19: @ Milwaukee 7:00 PM

Game 5, 4/21: @ Chicago 7:00 PM*

Game 6, TBD: @ Milwaukee 7:00 PM*

Game 7, 4/26: @ Chicago 7:00 PM*

*If Necessary


#2W Texas Stars VS. #3W Rockford Icehogs

Texas Stars Regular Season Record: 46-27-7 99 PTS, 238 GF 198 GA

Texas Scoring Leaders
Aaron Gagon 78 GP 58 PTS (27G 31A, +19)
Travis Morin 80 GP 52 PTS (21G 31A, +10)
Perttu Lindgren 74 GP 47 PTS (14G 33A, +3)

Texas Goaltending
Brent Krahn 22 GP 17-4-0 1.83 GAA .945 SV%
Matt Climie 43 GP 21-17-3 2.46 GAA .919 SV%


Rockford Icehogs Regular Season Record: 44-30-6 94 PTS, 226 GF 226 GA

Rockford Scoring Leaders
Mark Cullen 62 GP 53 PTS (21G 32A, +2)
Bracken Kearns 80 GP 51 PTS (15G 36A, +8)
Jack Skille 63 GP 49 PTS (23G 26A, -1)

Rockford Goaltending
Corey Crawford 45 GP 24-16-2 2.67 GAA .909 SV%
Hannu Toivonen 32 GP 12-15-3 2.85 GAA .902 SV%


All Texas Stars Home Games are @ Cedar Park Center

All Rockford Icehogs Home Games are @ Rockford Metro Center

Game 1, 4/16: @ Texas 7:30 PM

Game 2, 4/17: @ Texas 7:00 PM

Game 3, 4/21: @ Rockford 7:05 PM

Game 4, 4/23: @ Rockford 7:05 PM

Game 5, 4/24: @ Rockford 7:05 PM*

Game 6, 4/26: @ Texas 7:30 PM*

Game 7, 4/27: @ Texas 7:30 PM*

*If Necessary

Ontario Hockey League Conference Semifinals

For the most part the Ontario Hockey League went as scripted as the OHL Conference Quarterfinals say 6 of the 8 first round series wrap up in 5 games in less. Both of the top teams in the Windsor Spitfires & Barrie Colts swept the Erie Otters while the Barrie Colts just thrashed the Sudbury Wolves by scoring 6 or more goals in 3 of the 4 games, including a 11-4 win on the opening night.

Overall, just 2 series were had any kind of drama as the Kingston Frontenacs and Brampton Battalion where just 2 of the games were won by the home team. Kitchener took down the Saginaw Spirit in 6 games as we had a number of close games as Kitchener won just over a minute into the extra period.

Overall, just one game had any kind of blowout as the Rangers beat the Spirit 4-1 back on Game 4. Kitchener will run into their Midwest Divisional Rivalries London Knights as London & Kitchener have been neck-and-neck several times in recent years for the Midwest Division Title in recent years.

The other series that should be coming in with much interest is the #2 VS. #3 Series in the East as the Mississauga St. Micheal's Majors and the Ottawa 67s in the Eastern Conference.

All 4 of the Series' will get underway on Thursday Night. All the Best of 7 Series' will be back and fourth except for the Ottawa VS. Mississauga Series.

Here's a look at the Schedules for the Conference Semifinals.

Eastern Conference


#1 Barrie Colts VS. #5 Brampton Battalion

Barrie Colts Road to the Memorial Cup

QFS VS. Sudbury Wolves: Game 1 11-4 W, Game 2 2-1 W, Game 3 6-2 W, Game 4 6-3 W

Barrie Leading Scores
Bryan Cameron 4 GP 9 PTS (6G 3A, +3)
Alexander Burmistrov 4GP 9PTS (5G 4A, +6)
Alex Pietrangelo 4GP 8 PTS (1G 7A, +6)

Barrie Goaltending
Peter Di Savo 3GP 3-0-0 2.67 GAA .901 SV%
Mavric Parks 1GP 1-0-0 2.00 GAA .938 SV%


Brampton Battalion Road to the Memorial Cup

QFS VS. Kingston Frontenacs: Game 1 4-2 W, Game 2 5-1 W, Game 3 2-4 L, Game 4 4-7 L, Game 5 4-3 OTW, Game 6 2-1 L, Game 7 5-2 W

Brampton Leading Scores
Sean Jones 7 GP 9 PTS (5G 4A, +1)
Scott Tanski 7GP 9 PTS (3G 6A, -1)
Cody Hodgson 7GP 7 PTS (3G 4A, E)

Brampton Goaltending
Patrick Killen 7GP 4-3 2.85 GAA .895 SV%


All Barrie Colts Home Games are @ Barrie Molson Center

All Brampton Battalion Home Games are @ Powerade Center

Game 1, 4/1: @ Barrie 6:30 PM

Game 2, 4/4: @ Brampton 1:00 PM

Game 3, 4/5: @ Barrie 6:30 PM

Game 4, 4/7: @ Brampton 6:00 PM

Game 5, 4/9: @ Barrie 6:30 PM*

Game 6, 4/11: @ Brampton 1:00 PM*

Game 7, 4/12: @ Barrie 6:30 PM*

*If Necessary


#2 Ottawa 67s VS. #3 Mississauga St. Micheal's Majors

Ottawa's Road to the Memorial Cup

East QFS VS. Niagara: Game 1 4-3 W, Game 2 3-1 W, Game 3 5-4 OTW, Game 4 4-5 L, Game 5 5-1 W

Ottawa Scoring Leaders
Tyler Toffoli 5GP 7 PTS (5G 2A, +1)
Corey Cowick 5GP 6 PTS (5G 1A, +4)
Anthony Nigro 5GP 5 PTS (3G 2A, +6)


Ottawa Goaltending
Chris Perugini 4GP 3-0 3.31 GAA .896 SV%
Petr Mrazek 2 GP 1-1 1.38 GAA .955 SV%


Mississauga St. Micheal's Majors Road to the Memorial Cup
East QFS VS. Peterborough: Game 1 4-2 W, Game 2 2-1 W, Game 3 5-3 W, Game 4 3-0 W

Mississauga Scoring Leaders
Devante Smith-Pelly 4GP 5 PTS (4G 1A, +2)
Dustin Ekelman 4GP 4 PTS (3G 1A, +5)
Casey Cizikas 4 4 PTS (1G 3A, +2)

Mississauga Goaltending
Chris Carrozzi 4GP 4-0 1.50 GAA .944 SV%


All Ottawa 67s Home Games are @ Ottawa Civic Center

All Mississauga St. Michael's Majors Home Games are @ Hershey Center


Game 1, 4/1: @ Ottawa 6:30 PM

Game 2, 4/2: @ Ottawa 6:30 PM

Game 3, 4/4: @ Mississauga 3:00 PM

Game 4, 4/6: @ Mississauga 6:00 PM

Game 5, 4/8: @ Ottawa 6:00 PM*

Game 6, 4/10: @ Mississauga 3:00 PM*

Game 7, 4/12: @ Ottawa 6:00 PM*

*If Necessary


Western Conference

#1 Windsor Spitfires VS. #4 Plymouth Whalers

Windsor Spitfires Road to the Memorial Cup
West QFS VS. Erie: Game 1 6-2 W, Game 2 3-1 W, Game 3 7-6 W, Game 4 5-1 W

Windsor Leading Scores
Taylor Hall 4GP 10 PTS (6G 4A, +6)
Zach Kassian 4GP 6 PTS (2G 4A, +3)
Dale Mitchell 4GP 6 PTS (2G 4A, E)

Windsor Goaltending
Phillip Grubauer 4GP 4-0 2.55 GAA .896 SV%


Plymouth Whalers Road to the Memorial Cup

West QFS VS. Sault St. Marie: Game 1 2-3 L, Game 2 5-2 W, Game 3 8-1 W, Game 4 5-3 W, Game 5 6-2 W

Plymouth Leading Scorers
Phil Mcrae 5GP 11 PTS (6G 5A, +6)
Ryan Haynes 5GP 11 PTS (4G 7A, +7)
Tyler Seguin 5GP 10 PTS (5G 5A, +1)

Plymouth Goaltending
Matt Hacket 5GP 3-1 2.38 GAA .940 SV%
Scott Wedgewood 2GP 1-0 1.27 GAA .944 SV%


All Windsor Spitfires Home Games are @ WFCU Center

All Plymouth Whalers Home Games are @ Compuware Center


Game 1, 4/1: @ Windsor 6:05 PM

Game 2, 4/3: @ Plymouth 6:05 PM

Game 3, 4/5: @ Windsor 6:05 PM

Game 4, 4/7: @ Plymouth 6:05 PM

Game 5, 4/8: @ Windsor 6:05 PM*

Game 6, 4/10: @ Plymouth 6:05 PM*

Game 7, 4/12: @ Windsor 6:05 PM*

*If Necessary


#2 London Knights VS. #3 Kitchener Rangers

London Knights Road to the Memorial Cup

West QFS VS. Guelph: Game 1 3-4 OTL, Game 2 4-3 W, Game 3 5-4 W, Game 4 8-2 W, Game 5 6-2 W

London Scoring Leaders
Nazem Kadri 5 GP 14 PTS (4G 10A, +7)
Daniel Erlich 5GP 9 PTS (5G 4A, +4)
Jared Knight 5GP 9 PTS (5G 4A, +5)

London Goaltending
Michael Hutchinson 5GP 4-1 2.84 GAA .901 SV%


Kitchener Rangers Road to the Memorial Cup
West QFS VS. Saginaw: Game 1 3-2 OTW, Game 2 1-3 L, Game 3 2-1, Game 4 4-1 W, Game 5 3-4 L, Game 6 4-2 W


Kitchener Scoring Leaders
Jeff Skinner 6 GP 5 PTS (3G 2A, -1)
Chris Mackinnon 6GP 5PTS (1G 4A, +1)
Julian Cimadamore 6GP 4PTS (3G 1A, +4)

Kitchener Goaltending
Brandon Maxwell 6GP 4-2 2.00 GAA .939 SV%

All London Knights Home Games are @ John Labatt Center

All Kitchener Rangers Home Games are @ Kitchener Memorial Auditourm


Game 1, 4/1: @ London 6:00 PM

Game 2, 4/2: @ Kitchener 6:30 PM

Game 3, 4/5: @ London 6:00 PM

Game 4, 4/7: @ Kitchener 6:00 PM

Game 5, 4/8: @ London 6:00 PM*

Game 6, 4/10: @ Kitchener 6:00 PM*

Game 7, 4/12: @ London 6:00 PM*

*If Necessary

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