Triton
02-10-2006, 02:48 PM
www.sportsnet.ca
Although the Canadian Hockey League playoffs don't officially start until the end of March, the playoffs have already begun for some teams. Sportsnet takes a look at which teams might be squeaking into the post-season and which teams will fall short.
Western Hockey League
Squeaking In
Spokane Chiefs
5th in the Western Conference's U.S. Division
20-27-4-2
The most interesting race will come from the WHL's U.S. Division. The Chiefs are sitting in last place heading into this weekend's action but are only nine points out of second. Spokane has an easier schedule than the Portland Winter Hawks to finish the season. Of their final 19 games, only eight of them are against divisional opponents. The Chiefs aren't one of the highest scoring teams in the league, but their scoring-by-committee style seems to work. If goaltender Kevin Armstrong, their prized pick-up from the trading deadline, can continue his impressive rookie season, the Chiefs should be headed for the playoffs.
Outside Looking In
Portland Winter Hawks
4th in the Western Conference's U.S. Division
21-26-3-2
On paper, the Winter Hawks should be contending for the top spot in the division. Unfortunately for Portland, this season has been a big disappointment thus far as they have underachieved mightily. Portland has good scoring led by Brandon Dubinsky and Vancouver Canucks draft pick Jannik Hansen, but their attention to defence has been a major problem. Their defence is young and inexperienced and starting goaltender Dustin Butler hasn't had much help. Portland will likely miss the playoffs due to their tough schedule. Of the remaining 20 games, 16 of them are against divisional opponents. In a division as tight as this one, none of those games will be taken lightly. The Winter Hawks could still make the playoffs, but the odds are stacked heavily against them.
Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
Squeaking In
P.E.I. Rocket
7th in the Eastern Division
18-30-4-1
The Rocket may not be the most well-rounded team, but they have a few star players they can count on for the stretch run. Edmonton Oilers draft pick Viatcheslav Trukhno has emerged as one of the top point producers in his second season with the Rocket, registering 75 points in 44 games. Third year defenceman Marc-Andre Gragnani is tied for third in defenceman scoring with 55 points. Charlottetown, P.E.I. native Danny Stewart has the invaluable experience of playing in the Memorial Cup last season with the Rimouski Oceanic. The Rocket might be the last seed to make the playoffs, but given their talent and experience, they should be there this time around.
Outside Looking In
Saint John Sea Dogs
8th in the Eastern Division
14-32-2-5
While it's not uncommon for an expansion team to miss the playoffs in their first season, it will hurt a bit as their expansion brothers from St. John's will be there. The Sea Dogs are mired in a five-game losing streak without any signs of breaking out. If they can steal a game from the top-ranked Moncton Wildcats in a home and home this weekend, it could spark a strong finish. However, their final three contests with the St. John's Fog Devils will likely determine their playoff fate. At this point, it's very unlikely the Sea Dogs will be seeing the playoffs in their inaugural season.
Ontario Hockey League
Squeaking In
Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
4th in the Western Conference's West Division
21-26-3-3
When Jeff Carter left the Greyhounds for the National Hockey League, the team knew it would be hard to find an identity. Carter spent four seasons with the Soo and on many nights carried the team. Soo native Tyler Kennedy and starting goaltender Kyle Gajewski have done their best to bring this team to the playoffs, and should be successful. Kennedy is tied for 33rd in OHL scoring while Gajewski has put up respectable numbers in his first season as a starter. The Greyhounds have a 14 point cushion on the Sarnia Sting heading into this weekend's action, and at this point it's unlikely the Sting will catch them by the end of the season.
Outside Looking In
Erie Otters
5th in the Western Conference's Midwest Division
17-28-3-3
If Erie played in any other division, they would be in the thick of things come playoff time. Unfortunately for the Otters, they have the misfortunate of playing in the toughest division in all of junior hockey. Team Canada World Junior teammates Ryan O'Marra and Michael Blunden have had solid seasons in Erie, but it hasn't been enough to overcome their tough schedule. Erie hasn't helped their own cause, however, as they have only won once in their last 10 games. At this point, the Otters might already be building towards next season
Although the Canadian Hockey League playoffs don't officially start until the end of March, the playoffs have already begun for some teams. Sportsnet takes a look at which teams might be squeaking into the post-season and which teams will fall short.
Western Hockey League
Squeaking In
Spokane Chiefs
5th in the Western Conference's U.S. Division
20-27-4-2
The most interesting race will come from the WHL's U.S. Division. The Chiefs are sitting in last place heading into this weekend's action but are only nine points out of second. Spokane has an easier schedule than the Portland Winter Hawks to finish the season. Of their final 19 games, only eight of them are against divisional opponents. The Chiefs aren't one of the highest scoring teams in the league, but their scoring-by-committee style seems to work. If goaltender Kevin Armstrong, their prized pick-up from the trading deadline, can continue his impressive rookie season, the Chiefs should be headed for the playoffs.
Outside Looking In
Portland Winter Hawks
4th in the Western Conference's U.S. Division
21-26-3-2
On paper, the Winter Hawks should be contending for the top spot in the division. Unfortunately for Portland, this season has been a big disappointment thus far as they have underachieved mightily. Portland has good scoring led by Brandon Dubinsky and Vancouver Canucks draft pick Jannik Hansen, but their attention to defence has been a major problem. Their defence is young and inexperienced and starting goaltender Dustin Butler hasn't had much help. Portland will likely miss the playoffs due to their tough schedule. Of the remaining 20 games, 16 of them are against divisional opponents. In a division as tight as this one, none of those games will be taken lightly. The Winter Hawks could still make the playoffs, but the odds are stacked heavily against them.
Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
Squeaking In
P.E.I. Rocket
7th in the Eastern Division
18-30-4-1
The Rocket may not be the most well-rounded team, but they have a few star players they can count on for the stretch run. Edmonton Oilers draft pick Viatcheslav Trukhno has emerged as one of the top point producers in his second season with the Rocket, registering 75 points in 44 games. Third year defenceman Marc-Andre Gragnani is tied for third in defenceman scoring with 55 points. Charlottetown, P.E.I. native Danny Stewart has the invaluable experience of playing in the Memorial Cup last season with the Rimouski Oceanic. The Rocket might be the last seed to make the playoffs, but given their talent and experience, they should be there this time around.
Outside Looking In
Saint John Sea Dogs
8th in the Eastern Division
14-32-2-5
While it's not uncommon for an expansion team to miss the playoffs in their first season, it will hurt a bit as their expansion brothers from St. John's will be there. The Sea Dogs are mired in a five-game losing streak without any signs of breaking out. If they can steal a game from the top-ranked Moncton Wildcats in a home and home this weekend, it could spark a strong finish. However, their final three contests with the St. John's Fog Devils will likely determine their playoff fate. At this point, it's very unlikely the Sea Dogs will be seeing the playoffs in their inaugural season.
Ontario Hockey League
Squeaking In
Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
4th in the Western Conference's West Division
21-26-3-3
When Jeff Carter left the Greyhounds for the National Hockey League, the team knew it would be hard to find an identity. Carter spent four seasons with the Soo and on many nights carried the team. Soo native Tyler Kennedy and starting goaltender Kyle Gajewski have done their best to bring this team to the playoffs, and should be successful. Kennedy is tied for 33rd in OHL scoring while Gajewski has put up respectable numbers in his first season as a starter. The Greyhounds have a 14 point cushion on the Sarnia Sting heading into this weekend's action, and at this point it's unlikely the Sting will catch them by the end of the season.
Outside Looking In
Erie Otters
5th in the Western Conference's Midwest Division
17-28-3-3
If Erie played in any other division, they would be in the thick of things come playoff time. Unfortunately for the Otters, they have the misfortunate of playing in the toughest division in all of junior hockey. Team Canada World Junior teammates Ryan O'Marra and Michael Blunden have had solid seasons in Erie, but it hasn't been enough to overcome their tough schedule. Erie hasn't helped their own cause, however, as they have only won once in their last 10 games. At this point, the Otters might already be building towards next season