Playoff Preview

Posted on Friday, October 24, 2014 by WCHL Hockey

California Dreamin'

 
 

Anaheim GM Terry Danton is a real man with the ladies

(4) Anaheim vs. (5) San Jose

A matchup with the reigning WCHL Champions ought to strike fear into any potential first round opponent, but it seems as though San Jose is heading into this mouthwatering west coast clash oozing confidence. A plethora of pundits and fans alike are finding seemingly finding joy in pushing the narrative that Anaheim, a franchise that looked well placed to become a dynasty, is already trending in the wrong direction. And its the Sharks, led by Slovakian unit Zdeno Chara, that aim to capitalise here.

Only twelve months ago, the Ducks were an unstoppable offensive juggernaut that struck fear into every opponent by its impregnable pedigree. This season, however, Alain Vigneault's outfit took an undeniable step backwards on the offensive side, ranking a lowly 18th overall in "goals for" (2.38). Fortunately, the Ducks D has remained outstanding, as the ever-impressive Shea Weber has led a top-notch defensive unit that ranked sixth overall in "goals against" (2.18). The special teams have been relatively poor (21st overall, PP+PK), but the team has maintained its discipline, ranking sixth overall in PIM/GP (8.70). But despite a lacklustre regular season by GM Danton's lofty standards, the fact remains that Anaheim has earned a playoff berth, and henceforth the chance to defend its title once again. We don't buy the negativity folks ... if Bergeron, Stepan, Backes and Moulson find their groove early, this team will be crowned Western Conference champions once more. 

San Jose isn't going to lay down for Anaheim, that's for sure. The super-talented quartet of Jonathan Toews, Paul Stastny, Jeff Skinner and Tyler Seguin would given any head coach nightmares, particularly in the playoffs, where it only takes four good games and you're moving on. Unsurprisingly, San Jose ranked fifth in "goals for" (2.51) this season, and third in PP % (23.92%) - it will certainly be intriguing to see whether Anaheim's loaded defense, and Rask, can stop Randy Carlyle's skilled group from hurting them. Despite the positives, San Jose is lacking on offense past a core group of superstars, and porous on defense past Chara and Martin. Its hard to envisage this bottom ten defense, and bottom ten PK unit, can stop the Ducks here- even more so if San Jose's lack of discipline, evidenced by their 25th overall rank in PIM/GP (12.84), rears its ugly head. 

THE VERDICT: Anaheim might be a little nervous coming into this series given the negative press, so we expect San Jose to score on the Ducks in spurts, handing the Sharks enough victories to keep this one close. Ultimately, however, we can't look past Anaheim's superior roster. The Sharks will undoubtedly spend too much time in the penalty box, and that will be enough for Bergeron and co to feast on OAP Tim Thomas. DUCKS IN 7.

PLAYOFF POOL INDICATOR: Anaheim 12 - 2 San Jose

DUCKS GM TERRY DANTON: "We consider the Sharks to be a serious threat considering our play this year. They have played us 4 times this year, and they took 3 of those 4. We are very concerned. Round 1 is going to be a true test of our grit, and frankly our ability to step it up come the post-season."

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Playoff Preview

by WCHL Hockey

Windy City Blues

 
 


(3) St. Louis vs. (6) Chicago

On paper, this is arguably the pick of the first round matchups. Midwestern powerhouses St.Louis and Chicago are set to lock horns in a series which ought to offer passion,  tenacity and goals. Both teams ranked inside the top ten in "goals for", whilst both ranked in the bottom half of the league in "goals against". To add to an already tasty recipe for a classic series, neither team knows how to stay out of the penalty box, as both ranked in the bottom five in PIM/GP. Hold on tight folks, this one could be fun, if nothing else.

St.Louis finished third in the Western Conference thanks to a well-rounded roster that gets contribution from almost everybody. The Blues' leading goalscorer in the regular season was second-line centre Damien Brunner, an oddity that nonetheless proves that Craig Berube's team is just that ... a TEAM. If you had to point to a particular strong point, it would undoubtedly be the top pairing of Kevin Bieksa and Marc Staal on defense - they chipped in with 15 goals and 36 assists on the season, as well as showing impressive leadership. St.Louis is going to score plenty, but they're also going to leak goals thanks to sloppy discipline. We also have our concerns about the bottom six, particularly once we get down to the likes of Leo Komarov, Leo Komarov, Dominic Moore and T.J. Galiardi. Still, they're the third seed for a reason.

GM Brian Flick's Chicago Blackhawks have come from the WCHL basement only a season ago to take the sixth seed in the Western Conference, an achievement which many thought impossible given the state of flux the organisation found itself in. Despite appearing to lack in offensive talent, this gritty Hawks unit has scored plenty throughout the regular season, and will need to find a way to continue the trend if they're going to get past Backstrom in this series. Past the evergreen Brad Boyes and goal-scoring hero Troy Brouwer, its difficult to see how Chicago is going to trouble St.Louis here. An impressive group of defenseman helps this team tenfold though - Dan Boyle, Dennis Wideman, Trevor Daley and Derek Morris combine skill with tons of experience, and that will be enough to ensure that Darren Rumble & co emerge victorious by the slimmest of margins in this Midwestern battle. 

THE VERDICT: Its difficult to predict this one to be honest. We don't like either team's chances of making a deep run, but then again, one of these two will book a place in round two here, and that certainly isn't to be scoffed at. Its going to be a sloppy affair that provides fantastic entertainment to the neutral. We see Chicago edging it, but its going the distance. CHICAGO IN 7.

PLAYOFF POOL INDICATOR: St.Louis 11 - 4 Chicago

BLACKHAWKS GM BRIAN FLICK: "We maybe just a bit away from hoisting the Cup, but this team has heart. We may not be the most talented team on the ice, but we have a grit about us and most of all we have the mindset that we deserve to be here and if a few things go our way, we might just hoist that Cup in the Madhouse on Madison."

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Playoff Preview

Posted on Wednesday, October 22, 2014 by WCHL Hockey

Minnesota vs. Dallas

 
 


(2) Minnesota vs. (7) Dallas

Central Division Champions and number two seed Minnesota have secured a seemingly favourable match-up in the Western Conference, as Ron Wilson's Wild are set to lock horns with WCHL surprise package Dallas in round one.

Led by a dangerous tandem of thirty-goal scorers in the guise of Tyler Bozak and Jiri Hudler, Minnesota led the West in goals scored (213) though the regular season. Surprisingly for a team with such a clinical offense, Minny's PP was below average on the season (22nd overall, 20.11%). Having said that, despite a mid-ranking defense in terms of goals allowed (14th overall, 193), the Wild PK Unit ranked third overall (81.84%), ensuring an effective special teams in St.Paul. Bozak and Grabovski, the top-six centres, are at the heart of everything, including a league-leading team faceoff percentage (53.13%) which could prove to be crucial for a team with high ambitions. And, of course, who wouldn't have a chance with Niemi in goal; he registered a .925 save % on the season, good for ninth in the league. The weakness might be when this team doesn't possess the puck. Though the the softly spoken GM attempted to plug the gaps with UFA signing Hal Gill, a hole still exists on this team, and Dallas surely knows it.

Dallas is, at least according to the bookmakers, the biggest Western Conference underdog of the first round. When looking at the stats, it is actually quite difficult to fathom just how this team is where it is. The lone-star state team ranked a lowly 22nd overall in "goals for" (2.28), and a similarly uninspiring 21st overall in "goals against" (2.46). Brian Skrudland's army of triers showcase a lethargic PP ranked 20th overall (20.58%), and a slovenly PK unit ranked an embarrassing 27th overall (76.47%). Perhaps lacking in skill, one thing this outfit does not lack is fight. With Brandon Dubinsky leading the way, and the likes of Stephane Robidas and Zach Parise not far behind, the GM-less Stars are a gritty bunch that just won't lie down. But will that be enough to keep Dallas alive come the crunch?

THE VERDICT: We respect what Dallas has done this season, and we love that sheer determination can still win through in professional hockey. Nonetheless, we can't look past the statistics, and therefore simply don't see how Dallas can compete with the far superior Wild. Expect Bozak and Grabovski to control the series from the face-off circle, and Hudler to give Niemi all the support he needs to secure four straight victories. MINNESOTA IN 4.

PLAYOFF POOL INDICATOR: Minnesota 9 - 4 Dallas

WILD GM ALEX TANEV: "I think we can make it to the conference finals. We've got zero cup chance though. I know we can't beat Edmonton and even if we do, I know Pittsburgh and New York have way better teams than us."

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Playoff Preview

by WCHL Hockey

Edmonton vs. Arizona

 
 


(1) Edmonton Oilers vs. (8) Arizona Coyotes

Two teams heading into the postseason on the back of somewhat contrasting runs, the red-hot Western Conference Champions Edmonton face off against a last-ditch Arizona outfit in a first-round match-up that looks rather lop-sided at first glance. 

Edmonton, led by captain Brad Richards and forty-goal regular season hero Jason Pominville, are firm favourites to emerge victorious in this series. Having accrued 110 points to impressively outpace the reigning Stanley Cup holders Anaheim in the Pacific Division, Kevin Dineen's men have shown that high-powered offense coupled with discipline is a recipe for success in the WCHL. Edmonton led the league in "shots for" (30.87), and finished third, behind only playoff-bound Pittsburgh and Washington, in PIM/GP (7.67). Whilst far from the finished article on special teams, Edmonton heads into the postseason with high morale (82), and with the best goal differential (+24) in the conference. With the every-present Ilya Bryzgalov between the sticks, he who bets against the Oilers here is a brave man. 

Heading into the final day of the regular season, Arizona was placed a lowly sixth in the Pacific Division, and in need of a minor miracle to secure the Western Conference's final playoff spot. Luckily for Yotes fans, the Canucks imploded at Madison Square Garden, and LA choked in Toronto, handing Alain Vigneault's team the golden ticket. Boasting a prolific and experienced top forward line of Jokinen-Gaborik-Vrbata, Arizona is a team that Edmonton underestimates at its peril. Whilst the Coyotes are certainly not dominant in any given aspect of the game, they did finish the regular season ranked sixth overall in "shots for" (29.29), and first overall in "shots against" (26.27). Facing off against a high-powered Oilers offense, it will be interesting to see if the Yotes can continue to stop shots getting to Reimer. The glaring weakness of this team, however, is a complete lack of discipline - the Coyotes ranked 27th overall in PIM/GP (13.55). Though they might get away with it against a poor Oiler's PP at times, over the course of a full series, we expect this to be Arizona's achilles heel.

THE VERDICT: This series is going to be closer than many seem to think. Arizona's top-six weapons on offense, including Radim Vrbata, Marian Gaborik and Chris Higgins, will give an ageing Edmonton defense plenty of food for thought. Ultimately, however, a well-coached blend of experience, form and discipline will win the day here. Expect Pominville to showcase his electrifying goal-scoring prowess, and Bryzgalov to outplay Reimer. EDMONTON IN SIX.

PLAYOFF POOL INDICATOR: Edmonton 12 - 1 Arizona

OILERS GM KEITH FOSTER: "Edmonton figures to win the first round in 5 games. Arizona usually takes a lot more penalties, less hits and much worse faceoff percentage. This should be a an advantage in puck possession for Edmonton."

COYOTES GM JEFF SMITH: "Didn't expect to make the playoffs so have no expectations for success, especially against the top seed, but stranger things have happened and maybe luck is on our side."

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Let the fun begin

by WCHL Hockey

The real season gets underway



 
 
 

The Rangers are gunning for another WCHL Cup run.


The 19th edition of the WCHL playoffs are getting underway and for a few teams, they are surprisingly on the outside looking in.

 

But for others, it marks a return to the playoffs. Just one season after mopping up the basement of the league, teams like the Chicago Blackhawks and Tampa Bay Lightning are back in the limelight, perhaps the frontrunners of the future wave of elite teams in the league. Only time will tell, but in both cities, long suffering fans now have a reason to celebrate, pull their jerseys on and chase dreams of a WCHL Cup.

 

Will those chases be short or will the magical run of the regular season continue on into the playoffs? Only time will tell, but given the tight races in the regular season and some surprising omissions from the playoffs, odds are if you are just playing the odds on who will win, you won't make much money.

 

So who will win? Hard to say, but here's my predictions for round one of the WCHL and ACHL playoffs:

 

WCHL

 

Western Conference

 

(1) Edmonton Oilers vs. (8) Arizona Coyotes - The Oilers have been on a great run all season long, wrestling away the Anaheim Ducks hold on the top seed in the Western Conference. They have rattled off wins, at times with ease, over some of the better teams in the league, finally pulling themselves from the grip of being a perennial bubble playoff team. Not only have they claimed top spot in the West, they have established themselves as a legitimate cup contender.

 


 
 


The Coyotes meanwhile needed a bit of magic just to get into the post-season. The 10th seeded squad in the West with one day left in the schedule, and none left for them to play, the Coyotes needed regulation losses by both Los Angeles and Vancouver and somehow they got just that, clinching the final playoff seed in a tiebreaker. Will it be a postponement of the inevitable, or will they take advantage of the second chance?

 

While Edmonton hasn't really had much to play for in weeks, Arizona knows all about playing on the brink, something that will help them out. That said, Edmonton's been too solid all season to simply bow out now. Prediction: Edmonton in six.

 

(2) Minnesota Wild vs. Dallas Stars (7) - The Wild has nearly matched the Oilers step for step this season, and they can thank Tyler Bozak. The normally average forward was anything but this season, racking up 34 goals and 88 points to pace the Wild offense. Antti Niemi meanwhile was a rock again for the Wild, rattling off a .925 save percentage while chipping in 44 wins. Bozak may get the glory but Niemi is the real backbone of this club.

 


 
 


Dallas meanwhile has limped along all season despite being without a dedicated GM, the only club in the league to do so. A team more focused on the future than the present, Dallas has managed to cobble together great performances from the likes of Brandon Dubinsky -79 points in 82 games- and Evgeni Nabokov -a 0.923 save percentage. Its great efforts from less than great players that make up this team.

 

Minnesota should be here, Dallas shouldn't be. However if any team has the spirit to make themselves move on when they shouldn't, it's Dallas. Prediction: Dallas in seven.

 

(3) St. Louis Blues vs. (6) Chicago Blackhawks - The Blues watched last season as they literally handed San Jose the final playoff berth in the West last season, going on a tumble in the final 10 games to fall out of the playoffs and on to the golf course. This year they made sure to not do that, and posted a 101-point season, getting a head early and staying there.

 


 
 


As good as that was, Chicago came from nowhere to get into the post-season. easy pickings last year, the Blackhawks have held on in the playoff hunt all year long this season and they have come away with not only a playoff berth, they just kept getting better down the stretch, going 6-1-3 to hit the playoffs running. 

 

This series will be an interesting one but it figures to have a pair of teams that very well could be non-factors in the post-season based on their history. Or one of these teams could be the darling of the ball. If it's either of them, odds are it is Chicago. Prediction: Chicago in six.

 

(4) Anaheim Ducks vs. San Jose Sharks - At the start of the season, the Ducks were fresh off of a banner hanging and ready to take a run at becoming the first team ever in WCHL history to win three in a row. By the trade deadline, GM Terry Danton was publicly questioning if they'd even make the playoffs. Anaheim turned it around somewhat after that point and climbed into a home playoff berth for the first round, but it was hardly a great finish for a team full of great players.

 


 
 


San Jose meanwhile overachieved. After mulling the possibility of missing the playoffs so much that San Jose underwent a slight rebuild, dealing the likes of Zach Parise, the Sharks turned around and ended up easily making the playoffs. Oddly, this was in part spearheaded by a 39-year-old Tim Thomas, the starting netminder for San Jose. When you have a leader like Jonathan Toews however, it's hard to be surprised by San Jose's success.

 

This will be a tight series to call, but for Anaheim it could easily be a whole new season for them. On the other hand, can they really turn it on at the flick of a switch after going through highs and lows all season? Prediction: San Jose in six.

 

Eastern Conference

 

(1) New York Rangers vs. (8) Carolina Hurricanes - For those of you getting sick of seeing the Rangers dominate the Eastern Conference, to bad. It's here to stay. The Rangers once again clinched top seed in the conference after falling just short last year. It was again a tight battle, but arguably the greatest WCHL club of the past six seasons could be poised to go on yet another run. 

 


 
 


Carolina is aiming to try and stop the Rangers, but it won't be easy. Claiming the eighth seed on their final game of the season, the Canes will need a huge effort from Jimmy Howard, who has played in 73 games for the club, posting a .929 save percentage as he goes.

 

Carolina will put up a solid fight but this team has largely under-performed all season and it's not likely to change against a high-powered Ranger squad. Prediction: New York in five.

 

(2) Ottawa Senators vs. (7) Tampa Bay Lightning - The Senators should be here. Patiently built over the years by GM Noel Moxon, the Senators have been developed to be deep and skilled. Robin Lehner has been nearly lights out and the offense is led by Corey Perry. Plenty of reasons to believe in this team.

 


 
 


Tampa Bay shouldn't be here. The first full year of a retooling effort by incoming GM Jamie Matheson, the Lightning shot out of the gate and held strong to tie down a playoff berth. Steve Mason looked like Dominik Hasek and the offense may not have a big name, but it is well balanced. 

 

So which is better? They say slow and steady wins the race but for Ottawa, the playoffs haven't always been the most fortunate place to be. For Tampa Bay, can this rocket ride continue? There's a very good chance it can. Prediction: Ottawa in seven.

 

(3) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (6) Columbus Blue Jackets- Is this the year? That's a question Penguins fans have asked themselves repeatedly over the years in Pittsburgh. While the squad has one WCHL Cup to its credit back in Season 12, they have had far more heartbreak. Last season was no exception, reaching the cup final before being dispatched by the Anaheim Ducks. So is this the year?

 


 
 


Columbus meanwhile is already exceeding expectations. Reaching the post-season was a solid goal for the club and the benefits of having Seymon Varlamov in net were well seen for all. Chris Kunitz and Mike Richards paced the offense and the defense is solid but a bit top heavy. There's plenty to like about Columbus overall.

 

If Columbus can get ahead in the series early, Pittsburgh hasn't shown the ability to dig themselves out of a hole very often. The trick is can they get ahead? Not likely, but they will keep it close. Prediction: Pittsburgh in seven.

 

(4) Washington Capitals vs. (5) Montreal Canadians - Last seasons top team in the Eastern Conference, the Capitals had a huge swoon to start the season, but got things together and really cruised down the stretch, nearly coming all the way back to take top spot in the conference. Mike Smith was phenomenal, posting a 1.69 goals against average and a .935 save percentage. He's the rock for this team.

 


 
 


In Montreal, the hangman's noose has been put away as the Habs are back in the playoffs after three years on the outside looking in. Montreal separated themselves from the pack mid-way through the season and rattled off a great record for nearly 35 games to easily clinch a playoff berth. Losing seven of their last eight however is causing a bit of caution, but with Henrik Zetterberg, Eric Staal and Viktor Fasth, who has nearly matched Smith's numbers, Les Habitants look to be in good hands.

 

With two netminders putting up ungodly numbers, it's going to come down to which club can muster up some decent level of offence, and Montreal's top line could be the difference. If so, Montreal wins. If not, it's Capital punishment. Prediction: Montreal in seven.

 

ACHL

 

Western Conference

 

(1) Oklahoma City vs. (8) Rockford - Oklahoma in six
(2) Toronto vs. (7) San Antonio - San Antonio in five
(3) Chicago vs. (6) Lake Erie - Lake Erie in five
(4) Adirondack vs. (5) Hamilton - Hamilton in six

 

Eastern Conference

 

(1) Norfolk vs. (8) Lehigh Valley - Norfolk in seven
(2) Hartford vs (7) Wilkes-Barre/Scranton - Hartford in seven
(3) Portland vs (6) Binghampton - Portland in seven
(4) Hershey vs. (5) Worchester - Hershey in seven

 

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Stars aligned

Posted on Sunday, October 19, 2014 by WCHL Hockey

Dallas slips past desert dogs

 
 


Arizona Coyotes (2) vs Dallas Stars (3) ......
On the last Saturday of the regular season the Yotes visit Dallas with hopes for two points and a shot at the eighth and final playoff spot in the West. Dallas is fighting for the same spot and are tied with Arizona.
Arizona capitalized on a very early penalty to the Stars at 0:58 of the first as Marian Gaborik notched his 30th of the season at 1:01. Dallas tied it up on a powerplay goal of their own as Brandon Dubinsky scored his 25th of the season with the Coyote's Ollie Jokinen serving a hooking penalty. The Yotes led the shots on net at 7-5.
No scoring in the second as the teams each fired five shots at the opposing goalie, the toals after 40 minutes were 12-10 Arizona.
The Stars opened the third period scoring with their second extra man goal at 2:20 as Zach Parise scored his 41st of the season as he unleashed a wicked that nearly took James Reimer's ear off as it glanced off the side of the tenders mask. Now it was Arizona's turn to even things up as Chris Higgins scored his 19th at 4:55 with Dubinsky was serving a deuce for slashing, Higgins grabbed the puck off a scrambled draw and using the defenseman as a screen fired a wrister through the legs of Evgeni Nabokov. Parise scored his second of the night at 12:01 with the teams playing five aside, as he snapped a shot past the out stretched arm of James Reimer. The two teams doubled their shots on net in the third as each team fired 15, the totals after 60 minutes were, 27-25 Arizona.
MOLSON'S 3 STARS:
1 - Zach Parise (Dal)......... 2 goals, 3 shots, +1
2 - Brandon Dubinsky (Dal)....  1 goal, 2 assists, +1
3 - Michael Ryder (Dal)........... 2 assists, +1, 3 shots

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Where the Buffalo roam

Posted on Thursday, October 16, 2014 by WCHL Hockey

Jets cut down by Sabres

 
 


Buffalo Sabres (4) vs Winnipeg Jets (2).......
The Sabres visited Winterpeg in hopes of extending their two game win streak and catching Carolina for the eighth and final playoff spot in the East. The Jets not mathematically eliminate yet but their tee-off time all but set, hope to climb out of their four game losing skid.
Tomas Plekanec (29th) struck first for Buffalo at 7:42 of the opening period on the powerplay as "Little Joe" Pavelski set him up beautifully in the right face off circle and he lifted a snap shot over Pekke Rinne in net for Winnipeg. Rick Nash doubled the Sabres lead with his 28th less than ninety seconds later while the teams were back at full strength as Nash wristed a shot through a screen and past Rinne. The period ended with the Sabres holding a 12-9 shot advantage.
In the second Buffalo struck again with the extra man as d-man Victor Bartley notched his 4th of the year at 12:52, Nash and Plekanec both getting their second point of the night with assists. Winnipeg finally got on the board at 14:55 as Patrik Elias deflected a Andrej Meszaros' slapper over the shoulder of Roberto Luongo. After forty minutes the Sabres led 26-22 in shots.
"Jumbo" Joe Thornton (25th) got the Jets within one at 13:49 of the third as he beat David Desharnais clean off a face-off at the left of Luongo and caught the goalie off guard with a quick snap shot that found it's way through the legs of the tender. David Desharnais (24th) would make up for his earlier gaffe in the face-off circle as he took a Pavelski feed and beat Rinne low stick for the eventual winner at 15:14 of the third. The shots after sixty minutes were 30 apiece. 

MOLSON'S 3 STARS:
1 - Patrik Elias (Wpg).......... 1 goal, 1 assist, with a team high 8 SOG.
2 - Tomas Plekanec (Buf).... 1 goal, 1 assist, -1 and 3 SOG
3 - Victor Bartley (Buf)......... 1 goal, 1 assist

Reporting For The WCHL Network......
Peter Puck

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