Perhaps not the series some were expecting, but the WHL's Eastern conference crown will be awarded to either the Medicine Hat Tigers or Lethbridge Hurricanes. This clash, dubbed "The battle of Highway 3" is shaping up to be an instant classic. The last time these two teams played each other (March 22) Medicine Hat skated away with a 10-1 beating and Lethbridge will not let that go quietly.
The Tigers made quick work of both of their first two opponents, knocking off the Swift Current Broncos in five games as well as sweeping the Prince Albert Raiders. Medicine Hat has been firing on all cylinders, namely superstar forward Gavin McKenna and goaltender Harrison Meneghin. The latter of the two made 39 of 40 saves in his last two starts, including a shutout in the series clinching game four. Meneghin is also chipping in offensively, being one of four goaltenders to record an assist in these playoffs.
Lethbridge on the other hand, are significantly less rested. While they did dispose of their first round opponent (the Brandon Wheat Kings) in five games, the Hurricanes pulled out a game seven victory against the Calgary Hitmen after going down 3-2 in the series. Forward Miguel Marques has lead the way offensively, while Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Noah Chadwick continues his massive run on the blue line.
While the Tigers are a rested team, they must be careful so as to not fall into "rusty" territory. Lethbridge will likely come out strong, but home ice advantage will come into play immediately. Medicine Hat remains unbeaten at Co-Op Place through five contests, meanwhile the Hurricanes carry a 4-1-1-0 record on their own turf.
Prediction: Medicine Hat in 6
Season Series:
Spokane Wins 4-3-0-0
Playoff Scoring Leaders:
Medicine Hat:
Gavin McKenna: 9 GP, 6 G, 16 A, 22 P
Oasiz Wiesblatt: 9 GP, 10 G, 9 A, 19 P
Ryder Ritchie: 9 GP, 6 G, 5 A, 11 P
Hunter St. Martin: 9 GP, 4 G, 4 A, 8 P
Bryce Pickford: 9 GP, 3 G, 5 A, 8 P
Lethbridge:
Miguel Marques: 12 GP, 3 G, 10 A, 13 P
Brayden Edwards: 12 GP, 6 G, 6 A, 12 P
Noah Chadwick: 12 GP, 5 G, 7 A, 12 P
Brayden Yager: 12 GP, 6 G, 5 A, 11 P
Logan Wormald: 12 GP, 4 G, 5 A, 9 GP
Schedule:
Game 1: @ Medicine Hat, Friday, April 25, 7:00 MT
Game 2: @ Medicine Hat, Saturday, April 26, 7:00 PT
Game 3: @ Lethbridge, Tuesday, April 29, 7:00 MT
Game 4: @ Lethbridge, Wednesday, April 30, 7:00 MT
Game 5: @ Medicine Hat, Friday, May 2, 7:00 MT*
Game 6: @ Lethbridge, Saturday, May 3, 7:05 PT*
Game 7: @ Medicine Hat, Tuesday, May 6, 7:00 MT*
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