If The 2025 WHL Playoffs Started Today: February 21, 2025
Vancouver Giants vs Victoria Royals (Photo Credit: Rob Wilson/Vancouver Giants)With just over a month left in the regular season, anticipation is starting to grow for the 2025 WHL Playoffs. Five teams have clinched their spots in the postseason so far, and a handful of clinching scenarios are possible in the next few days. With this in mind, here is a look at the first-round matchups if the playoffs started today, February 21, 2025.
Western Conference
1) Everett Silvertips vs 8) Seattle Thunderbirds
The Everett Silvertips and Seattle Thunderbirds have developed one of the fiercest rivalries in the WHL. This season, the Silvertips have gone 5-0-0-1 against their I-5 rivals, with four of those victories coming by three goals or more. This series should provide not just plenty of goals but hits, as it is clear these two teams do not like each other.
2) Victoria Royals vs 7) Vancouver Giants
Another rivalry that could be on full display in the first round is the Victoria Royals vs the Vancouver Giants. A matchup between these two would be the first since 2019 when the Giants defeated the Royals 4-0 in the second round. A series that Victoria leads 4-0-0-2 this season, there is no doubt that this would be an exciting first-round matchup.
3) Spokane Chiefs vs 6) Tri-City Americans
A Spokane Chiefs and Tri-City Americans first-round series would be the perfect example of a high-octane offence versus a solid defensive team. The series has been balanced this season, with Spokane holding a slight edge at 3-2-0-1. With the teams alternating wins in their last four matchups, this has the potential to be a very close series from start to finish.
4) Prince George Cougars vs 5) Portland Winterhawks
This year's first round could feature a rematch of the 2024 WHL Western Final. Just like last season, this is a series that the Portland Winterhawks have dominated, going 4-0-0-0 against the Prince George Cougars in 2024-25. The question is, can Portland once again pull off a victory, or will Prince George get their revenge?
Eastern Conference
1) Medicine Hat Tigers vs 8) Swift Current Broncos
While the Medicine Hat Tigers and Swift Current Broncos are separated by 20 points in the standings, they have had some exciting, close games this season. Through four games, the two teams have split the season series, with each going 2-2-0-0. Medicine Hat and Swift Current have also alternated wins all season, which could continue come playoff time.
2) Brandon Wheat Kings vs 7) Edmonton Oil Kings
The two "Kings" of the WHL go head-to-head as the Brandon Wheat Kings take on the Edmonton Oil Kings. This is a series that Brandon has dominated this season, going 2-0-0-0 while recording a +6 goal differential. With a ton of talent on both sides, this matchup will be a must-watch for hockey fans across the WHL.
3) Calgary Hitmen vs Saskatoon Blades
Another intriguing first-round matchup is the Calgary Hitmen taking on the Saskatoon Blades. This series has been tight all season, with Saskatoon holding a slight edge at 2-1-1-0. Calgary and Saskatoon would also provide viewers with a chance to see two top prospects for the 2025 NHL draft, as Ben Kindel and David Lewandowski would be going head-to-head.
4) Lethbridge Hurricanes vs 5) Prince Albert Raiders
The Lethbridge Hurricanes and Prince Albert Raiders would be a very fun matchup to watch. The two teams have split their season series, with each picking up a win this year. A battle that could come down to special teams, Lethbridge and Prince Albert, could be a series bound for Game 7.
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