EAST
1 Oshawa vs 6 Ottawa
Both teams had similar 1st rounds and are pretty similar on paper. Despite Ottawa having a considerably older roster, I actually like the Gens roster better (mainly because of Oster) but I watched these teams play a bunch this year and Ottawa always had their number in close games. It will be interesting to see now that the gameplan can be focused in on just 1 opponent how that changes, but this series will very likely come down to special teams and the Gens had the edge there all season so I’m going with Oshawa in 7.
Prediction: OSH 4-3
2 North Bay vs 5 Sudbury
So much in this one relies on if DiVincentiis and Romani are playing or not. They both missed the whole second half of the last series and if they’re out for an extended period in this series, I love Sudbury’s chances. Even if they’re back I could see this going 7 but without them, I think Sudbury wins in 6. This series will be Sudbury trying to run and gun and North Bay trying to slow the game down and play it tight. I just like Sudbury’s big 3 to take over and win the series for them.
Prediction: SBY 4-2
WEST
1 London vs 4 Kitchener
This series should be closer on paper but I just don’t see it. Kitchener really struggled with Erie and if they didn’t get a couple breaks, could’ve lost that series. This London team is just better in almost every area, and way tougher to play against. Kitchener would need Parsons to stand on his head and Rehkopf to have an other worldly series, but Simpson is just as likely to stand on his head and Cowan/Barkey could be other worldly as well.
Prediction: LDN 4-1
2 Saginaw vs 3 Sault Ste. Marie
By far the closest series on paper for me and really could go either way. Both teams have similar goalie worries, although Oke had a great 1st round. Both teams are loaded on both offence and D, but SSM is missing Jack Beck, which is a huge loss for them. Because of that I give Saginaw the edge marginally, but if the Soo can steal an early game then get Beck back, this seems destined for 7 games.
Prediction: SAG 4-3
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