This season has been one to remember for the Calgary Hitmen, as they've set multiple new team records and it is now time to begin the climb to the true peak of the Western Hockey League. Their first opponent lays no further than the Saskatoon Blades, who have undergone some major changes.

Entering this series as a heavy favorite, Calgary has been on a roll- largely due to the success of goaltender Daniel Hauser. Since coming over from the Wenatchee Wild at the trade deadline, Hauser has put up unbelievable numbers: over 25 appearances, a save percentage of .926 and a near-impeccable 1.91 goals against average. The offence has dried up slightly, but the group will be looking to rebound in the post-season. Ben Kindel and Oliver Tulk combined for nearly 200 points, and the former set a new team record for longest point streak.

Saskatoon's season has been a rollercoaster, to say the least. After starting the season at the top of the league, a turbulent trade deadline, and fighting for the top spot in the Eastern division right up until the final game of the regular season, it's safe to say a lot of the new additions have been thrown into the fire. Forward Hayden Harsanyi has been solid for the Blades, with 20 points in 30 games since being acquired. German import David Lewandowski has had himself an impressive first season in North America as well, with 39 points in 52 games.

Saskatoon's answer to the Hitmen will come in goal. After the loss of star defenceman Tanner Molendyk, the Blades will be leaning on Evan Gardner even more. In his first post-draft campaign, the Columbus Blue Jackets selection put up a .911 save percentage over 44 appearances. At the backup position, Ethan McCallum is no slouch either with a .902 save percentage in 25 appearances.

On paper, the Hitmen are a more skilled team in nearly every facet of the game and come from a stacked Central division, where they have been battle tested all season long. With that said, anything can happen in hockey and it should surprise no one if Saskatoon steals a game especially early in the series to put Calgary on their toes.

Prediction: Calgary in 5

Season Series: Calgary 2-1

Scoring Leaders:

Calgary:
Oliver Tulk 38-62-100
Ben Kindel 35-64-99
Connor Hvidston 19-37-56
Carson Wetsch 33-19-52
Carter Yakemchuk 17-32-49

Saskatoon:
Tyler Parr 20-41-61
Cooper Williams 21-36-57
Rowan Calvert 24-29-53
Hunter Laing 25-23-48
Grayden Siepmann 10-38-48

Schedule:
Game 1: @ Calgary, Friday, March 28, 7:00 MT
Game 2: @ Calgary, Sunday, March 30, 2:00 MT
Game 3: @ Saskatoon, Tuesday, April 1, 7:00 MT
Game 4: @ Saskatoon, Wednesday, April 2 7:00 MT
*Game 5: @ Calgary, Friday, April 4, 7:00 MT
*Game 6: @ Saskatoon, Sunday, April 6, 4:00 MT
*Game 7: @ Calgary, Tuesday, April 8, 7:00 MT
*- if necessary

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