With round one of the 2025 WHL playoffs in the books, teams and fans alike can look forward to round two. Our first preview involves the Calgary Hitmen taking on the Lethbridge Hurricanes.
Calgary made quick work of their first round opponent, the Saskatoon Blades, being the only team to complete a sweep. This playoff run has been a coming out party for Tanner Howe, as his first playoff run in 2023 (with the Regina Pats) he tallied just four points in seven games, but has taken a mjor step forward. In goal, Anders Miller has taken the reins in Daniel Hauser's absence and run with it: the netminder has a rock-solid 1.50 goals against average and a .933 save percentage through four starts.
Lethbridge had a similar run through round one, defeating the Brandon Wheat Kings in five games. While not superior to Miller, goaltender Jackson Unger has been equally solid between the pipes so far, with a 2.81 GAA and a .911 save percentage. The Hurricanes offense has also been quite evenly dispersed, with six players at or above one point per game through round one.
The question for this series is a simple one: Can Miller keep up the stellar play, and can the Hitmen remain solid in front of him? Or will Unger's championship pedigree shine through and carry the Hurricanes to their first conference final since 2017, and fourth in franchise history?
Season Series: Calgary 5-2
Scoring Leaders (Playoffs):
Lethbridge:
Brayden Yager 4-4-8
Leo Braillard 3-3-6
Miguel Marques 2-4-6
Noah Chadwick 1-4-5
Vojtech Port 1-4-5
Calgary:
Tanner Howe 2-7-9
Ben Kindel 5-3-8
Ethan Moore 3-1-4
Oliver Tulk 2-2-4
Sawyer Mynio 0-4-4
Schedule:
Game 1: @ Calgary, Thursday, April 10, 7:00 MT
Game 2: @ Calgary Saturday, April 12, 6:00 MT
Game 3: @ Lethbridge, Tuesday, April 15, 7:00 MT
Game 4: @ Lethbridge, Wednesday, April 16 7:00 MT
Game 5: @ Calgary, Friday, April 18, 7:00 MT*
Game 6: @ Lethbridge, Saturday, April 19, 7:00 MT*
Game 7: TBD*
*- if necessary
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