The Winnipeg ICE will face the Saskatoon Blades in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Blades erased a 3-0 series deficit against the Red Deer Rebels to advance. The series will begin on Friday, April 28th.
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| 2-3-1-0 | Season Series Record | > | 4-2-0-0 | |
| 15 | Goals For | > | 19 | |
| 25.7 | Shots Per Game | > | 29.8 | |
| 28.6% | < | Powerplay | 27.3% | |
| 72.7% | < | Penalty Kill | 71.4% | |
| 51.3% | < | Faceoff Percentage | 48.7% |
When it came to the regular season series, as you see above it was pretty close. The ICE do get the nod with creating offence, but the Blades would get the win with special teams. Both stats are so close that it is barely a win. Also, with what we know about these playoffs so far, the regular season means nothing now.
The Blades did not give the ICE as much to handle when it came to the season series. Not saying it wasn’t close because it was close, just not as scary close as the Warriors. The Blades bring a different style to the playoffs, and it should be interesting to see how the ICE handle it
The Blade Softeners
In the regular season series, a defenceman led the way for the ICE. That player was Ben Zloty, who had two goals and five assists in six games. He was a stud at both ends of the ice against the Blades. The next player isn’t as much of a surprise as it was Zach Benson. He also had two goals and five assists. Benson is an electric player and has enjoyed playing the Blades this year; hopefully, that continues for the ICE.
The ICE Melters
When Winnipeg hits the ice this Friday, they will have to focus on Egor Sidorov and Trevor Wong. Sidorov had four goals this year against the ICE, while Wong had three assists. During the playoffs, Egor has nine goals and 19 points in 14 games. He has been a beast for the Blades and is a major reason they are in the finals. While Wong has been racking up points as well, with 19 points, including 14 assists. The ICE will have their hands full with these two.
Goaltending
Saskatoon is doing something that is rare for any team in the playoffs. They have played 14 and have split the goaltenders playing time between Ethan Chadwick and Elliot Austin. It will bring an interesting factor to this series and will be something to see who is leading the Blades onto the ice. While for the ICE, we all know Daniel Hauser will be in the net. He had an outstanding first round against the Medicine Hat Tigers but faltered a bit in the second round. The Warriors have had his number all year, so I do not put much into that but is something to keep an eye on.
I believe the ICE will take this series in seven games. The Blades are one of the most stubborn, hard-working teams in these playoffs, and if the ICE let up, the ICE will win. If Winnipeg can play consistent hockey and show the skill they have all year, they should make it to the WHL Finals.