Playoff Matchups Round #1 2012

Eastern Conference

(1) Edmonton Oil Kings vs. (8) Kootenay Ice
Oil Kings:
- Strengths - Very deep. Balance scoring. Formidable defense.
- Weaknesses - Goaltending can be flaky at times, discipline.
Ice:
- Strengths - Above average goaltending, high end top line.
- Weaknesses - Not very deep, lack of offense from blueline.
Prediction: Oil Kings in 5

(2) Moose Jaw Warriors vs (7) Regina Pats
Warriors:
- Strengths - Rugged. Plays playoff style hockey. Defense is stout.
- Weaknesses - Scoring depth is lacking. Team speed is below average.
Pats:
- Strengths - Speedy team. Top line scoring. Big mobile defense.
- Weaknesses - Smallish forwards. Not very deep.
Prediction: Warriors in 7

(3) Calgary Hitmen vs. (6) Brandon Wheat Kings
Hitmen:
- Strengths - Balanced scoring. Gritty. Solid defense.
- Weaknesses - Inconsistant goaltending. Team hockey IQ is low.
Wheat Kings:
- Strengths - High end scoring. Top end defense. Big bodies everywhere.
- Weaknesses - Inconsistant goaltending. Lack of forward depth.
Prediction: Wheat Kings in 6

(4) Medicine Hat Tigers vs. (5) Saskatoon Blades
Tigers:
- Strengths - Top end scoring. Strong goaltending. Big bodied team.
- Weaknesses - Lack of team depth. Team defense is suspect.
Blades:
- Strengths - Very balanced team. Methodical. Solid goaltending.
- Weaknesses - Inconsistant. Injury plagued team.
Prediction: Tigers in 7

Western Conference:

(1) Tri-City Americans vs. (8) Everett Silvertips
Americans:
- Strengths - Top end scoring. Great team defense. Solid goaltending.
- Weaknesses - Smaller team. Lack of defensive depth.
Silvertips:
- Strengths - Pretty good defensively. Gritty. Strong goaltending
- Weaknesses - Lack of scoring. Lack of depth.
Prediction: Americans in 4

(2) Kamloops Blazers vs. (7) Victoria Royals
Blazers:
- Strengths - Great team depth. Solid goaltending. Solid top end scoring.
- Weaknesses - Lack of defensive depth. Smaller team.
Royals:
- Strength - High octane offense. Solid goaltending. Gritty.
- Weaknesses - Little regard for defense. Smaller team.
Prediction: Blazers in 5

(3) Portland Winter Hawks vs. (6) Kelowna Rockets
Winter Hawks:
- Strengths - High end offense. Defensive depth. Speedy team.
- Weaknesses - Suspect goaltending. Lack of grit.
Rockets:
- Strengths - Big bodied team. Physical. Above average goaltending.
- Weaknesses - Lack of forward depth. Low team hockey IQ.
Prediction: Winter Hawks in 5

(4) Vancouver Giants vs. (5) Spokane Chiefs
Giants:
- Strengths - High end scoring. Solid goaltending. High team hockey IQ.
- Weaknesses - Smaller team. Lack of defensive depth.
Chiefs:
- Strengths - Gritty. Solid team defense. High gamesmanship.
- Weaknesses - Inconsistant goaltending, lack of scoring from forwards.
Prediction: Giants in 7