Jackson Penney's 4 Championship banners hanging in Panorama will have to wait for a 5th. After another hard fought year, the Victoria Cougars have won the Brent Patterson Memorial Trophy for the 3rd straight year. The Peninsula Panthers put up one hell of a fight that lasted 6 games. I originally predicted the Cougars would win in 5, and the series could have easily gone that way, with either team being the victor.
The Cougars came out flying in game 1 and showed everyone why they are the top team in the VIJHL. The very next game though, the Panthers showed unreal tenacity by coming back from being down 3-0 to win in double OT. The Panthers would win again in overtime for game 3. Now a series that could have just as easily been 3 games to 0 for Victoria, was 2 games to 1 for Peninsula. Victoria was on their heals, and Peninsula was flying. If the Panthers won game 4, to take a 3-1 series lead, the Cougars would have had a very hard time coming back. Momentum is everything in playoff hockey. Victoria would have none of that. Rattling off 3 straight wins to capture the title in exciting fashion.
The Victoria Cougars are heading to the Cyclone Taylor Cup for a 3rd year in a row. For the previous 2 years, the had to settle for silver. I know that isn't good enough for this club. They have unfinished business when it comes to the provincial championship for junior B hockey. I have long believed it's better to win bronze than lose to take silver. This team on the other hand, has zero desire to take anything that isn't gold home.
Last season many believed that the Cougars team that went to Comox to play in the CTC was the outright favorite to win due to the sheer dominance they showed all season. I still think that that dominance was their downfall. The Cougars last year walked all over the VIJHL and faced little to no adversity. When they made it the Cyclone Taylor tournament, they faced much stronger competition and they weren't ready for it. The VIJHL this season showed amazing parity with several teams contending for the title all year long. This allowed the Cougars to actually scratch and claw for their wins. When they head to Nelson they will be far more prepared to face the stiff mainland competition.
This whole year was a blast to call, and watch. I have seen some of the best games of hockey of my life this season. My year isn't done yet either, the best part of the season is yet to come.
Prediction: Victoria 4 - Peninsula 1
Result: Victoria 4 - Peninsula 2
Cover
Saturday 29 March 2014
Sunday 16 March 2014
The Stage Is Set - 2nd Round Recap - Finals Predictions
For the 4th year in a row, the Cougars are in the VIJHL Championship final. After defeating the Campbell River Storm in 5 games last week, Victoria has a few days to rest some wounds before they take on The Panthers starting Thursday.
The semi-final series versus the Storm was probably the hardest series the Cougars have faced in years. It may have only lasted 5 games, but it felt like 7. Every game was a battle. The Storm showed they have what it takes to compete among the best in this league. I predicted that this series would go 6 games, and it almost did. On more than one occasion the Storm almost took the win away from the Cougars. It wasn't an easy series for Victoria, even if the final was 4-1. Not a single game was a blow out, or one sided. This was the perfect example of what playoff hockey should be, exciting.
Prediction: Victoria 4 - Campbell River 2
Last year the VIJHL had very little parity and the Cougars were able to walk all over every team on their way to the Cyclone Taylor Cup. When they made it to the Provincials they were faced with much harder opponents. They ultimately lost, and I think they couldn't win it all because there was no challenge during the season. They didn't know how to battle because they had no need to battle during the year. This year the Cougars had to earn their wins, against difficult teams. If they are to get past the Panthers in the finals this year I believe they have a much stronger chance of taking Gold home.
In the other series Peninsula took it in 7 games. Coming back to win the final 2 games of the series, game 7 in double overtime. Comox shut out the Panthers 2 games in a row to make the series interesting, but in the end the scoring power of the Panthers was able to eliminate the Glacier Kings. I managed to predict the winner, but I got the end result backwards. I surmised that the Panthers would take the series in 6 games, with the possibility of Comox making the comeback to take it in 7 games. While that's what happened, it was Peninsula having to make the comeback. The Panthers were able to win despite the absolutely insane amount of penalties they have taken in the playoffs so far, 94 total.
Prediction: Peninsula 4 - Comox 2 (note: if this series goes 7 games, I think Comox takes it)
Result: Peninsula 4 - Comox 3
The finals will be a lot of fun to watch. The Cougars and Panthers have been bitter rivals for many years, and this isn't the first time these two have faced each other in the Championship final. This will be the 3rd time in 4 years they have played for all the marbles. With each team taking a win. Another interesting fact, every single year since 2001, except for 2005/2006, either the Cougars or the Panthers have made the finals. The Cougars have won the last two titles, with Peninsula taking the two prior. I fully expect a hard hitting rough series. Both teams will do what every it takes to win. I believe the ultimate outcome will come back down to special teams. The Panthers have taken 94 penalties so far during the post season, with Victoria only taking 36. While Peninsula has had an absurd number of penalties, I don't think that will be the end of the story. Peninsula only managed to score 6 powerplay goals in 74 chances, that's 8.11% versus 36.96% for Victoria. Being able to win against the Cougars will take powerplay goals. Both teams had decent goals for (VIC 44 PEN 40), but I honestly think the powerplay will be the tipping point. If the Panthers continue with their parade to the box, the Cougars should be able win the series in 5 games. If the Panthers want to win this series, they need to stop spending half the game in the penalty box. Victoria's defence has been huge so far during the playoffs, only allowing 16 goals against. Granted the series against Kerry Park skews this stat slightly. All in all, the series between Victoria and Peninsula will be lots of fun to watch, but I don't think the Panthers can stay out of the box.
Key to the series for VICTORIA - Graham Zagrodney - With the fire power of the Panthers, the Cougars will lean heavily as they have all year on the leagues best defender. Zagrodney will quarterback the top powerplay unit which should see lots of ice time. If Zagrodney continues his dominance on the blue line, the Cougars will be very hard to beat.
Key to the series for PENINSULA - Jackson Skerratt - While he doesn't lead the team in points, he does lead in goals and powerplay goals. If the Panthers want to win they will need to have Skerratt score and score often. The main reason I think Skerratt is a bigger threat to the Cougars than Milligan or Ball is that Jackson Skerratt has only 4 penalty minutes. He is managing to score goals and stay out of the box. If the Cougars can get under the skin of Milligan he will take penalties, but Skerratt will still be on the ice.
Prediction: Victoria 4 - Peninsula 1
The winner of this series will move on to the Cyclone Taylor Cup, and I know the Cougars have unfinished business.
Agree? Disagree? Sound off on Twitter! @VicPlaybyPlay
Schedule
The semi-final series versus the Storm was probably the hardest series the Cougars have faced in years. It may have only lasted 5 games, but it felt like 7. Every game was a battle. The Storm showed they have what it takes to compete among the best in this league. I predicted that this series would go 6 games, and it almost did. On more than one occasion the Storm almost took the win away from the Cougars. It wasn't an easy series for Victoria, even if the final was 4-1. Not a single game was a blow out, or one sided. This was the perfect example of what playoff hockey should be, exciting.
Prediction: Victoria 4 - Campbell River 2
Result: Victoria 4 - Campbell River 1
Last year the VIJHL had very little parity and the Cougars were able to walk all over every team on their way to the Cyclone Taylor Cup. When they made it to the Provincials they were faced with much harder opponents. They ultimately lost, and I think they couldn't win it all because there was no challenge during the season. They didn't know how to battle because they had no need to battle during the year. This year the Cougars had to earn their wins, against difficult teams. If they are to get past the Panthers in the finals this year I believe they have a much stronger chance of taking Gold home.
In the other series Peninsula took it in 7 games. Coming back to win the final 2 games of the series, game 7 in double overtime. Comox shut out the Panthers 2 games in a row to make the series interesting, but in the end the scoring power of the Panthers was able to eliminate the Glacier Kings. I managed to predict the winner, but I got the end result backwards. I surmised that the Panthers would take the series in 6 games, with the possibility of Comox making the comeback to take it in 7 games. While that's what happened, it was Peninsula having to make the comeback. The Panthers were able to win despite the absolutely insane amount of penalties they have taken in the playoffs so far, 94 total.
Prediction: Peninsula 4 - Comox 2 (note: if this series goes 7 games, I think Comox takes it)
Result: Peninsula 4 - Comox 3
The finals will be a lot of fun to watch. The Cougars and Panthers have been bitter rivals for many years, and this isn't the first time these two have faced each other in the Championship final. This will be the 3rd time in 4 years they have played for all the marbles. With each team taking a win. Another interesting fact, every single year since 2001, except for 2005/2006, either the Cougars or the Panthers have made the finals. The Cougars have won the last two titles, with Peninsula taking the two prior. I fully expect a hard hitting rough series. Both teams will do what every it takes to win. I believe the ultimate outcome will come back down to special teams. The Panthers have taken 94 penalties so far during the post season, with Victoria only taking 36. While Peninsula has had an absurd number of penalties, I don't think that will be the end of the story. Peninsula only managed to score 6 powerplay goals in 74 chances, that's 8.11% versus 36.96% for Victoria. Being able to win against the Cougars will take powerplay goals. Both teams had decent goals for (VIC 44 PEN 40), but I honestly think the powerplay will be the tipping point. If the Panthers continue with their parade to the box, the Cougars should be able win the series in 5 games. If the Panthers want to win this series, they need to stop spending half the game in the penalty box. Victoria's defence has been huge so far during the playoffs, only allowing 16 goals against. Granted the series against Kerry Park skews this stat slightly. All in all, the series between Victoria and Peninsula will be lots of fun to watch, but I don't think the Panthers can stay out of the box.
Key to the series for VICTORIA - Graham Zagrodney - With the fire power of the Panthers, the Cougars will lean heavily as they have all year on the leagues best defender. Zagrodney will quarterback the top powerplay unit which should see lots of ice time. If Zagrodney continues his dominance on the blue line, the Cougars will be very hard to beat.
Key to the series for PENINSULA - Jackson Skerratt - While he doesn't lead the team in points, he does lead in goals and powerplay goals. If the Panthers want to win they will need to have Skerratt score and score often. The main reason I think Skerratt is a bigger threat to the Cougars than Milligan or Ball is that Jackson Skerratt has only 4 penalty minutes. He is managing to score goals and stay out of the box. If the Cougars can get under the skin of Milligan he will take penalties, but Skerratt will still be on the ice.
Prediction: Victoria 4 - Peninsula 1
The winner of this series will move on to the Cyclone Taylor Cup, and I know the Cougars have unfinished business.
Agree? Disagree? Sound off on Twitter! @VicPlaybyPlay
Schedule
Game 01 Thursday, Mar 20 at ABSC - 6:30 warm-up; 7:00 game time
Game 02 Friday, Mar 21 at Panarama - 7:00 warm-up; 7:30 game time
Game 03 Sunday, Mar 23 at ABSC - 6:00 warm-up; 6:30 game time
Game 04 Monday, Mar 24 at Panarama - 7:00 warm-up; 7:30 game time
Game 05 Thursday, Mar 27 at ABSC - 6:30 warm-up; 7:00 game time
Game 06 Friday, Mar 28 at Panarama - 7:00 warm-up; 7:30 game time
Game 07 Sunday, Mar 30 at ABSC - 3 warm-up; 3:30 game time
Sunday 2 March 2014
First Round Recap, Second Round Predictions.
Well the first round of the VIJHL playoffs is in the books. No real surprises came out of the first round, as the 4 teams expected to win were all victorious. In fact, all 4 series' ended exactly as I predicted. Let's quickly recap the first round and then move onto the second.
Victoria vs Kerry Park
Prediction: Victoria 4 - Kerry Park 0
Result: Victoria 4 - Kerry Park 0
Peninsula vs Westshore
Prediction: Peninsula 4 - Westshore 1
Result: Peninsula 4 - Westshore 1
Comox vs Saanich
Prediction: Comox 4 - Saanich 0
Result: Comox 4 - Saanich 0
Campbell River vs Nanaimo
Prediction: Campbell River 4 - Nanaimo 2
Result: Campbell River 4 - Nanaimo 2
The second round will be a little for difficult to predict as far as who wins how many games. All 4 remaining teams have what it takes to win it all this year.
Victoria vs Campbell River
Again let's take a look at the series I know best. Victoria versus Campbell River. The season series between these two is split at 2-2, and I think that might carry over into the playoffs. These teams are evenly matched on many levels, but ultimately I believe Victoria has what it takes to finish this series off. Now, I might be slightly biased, okay I am completely biased, but I still believe it completely. Victoria has two goalies that can be the starter on any team in this league, and a defensive core that could give fits to most Junior A teams. Their powerplay is second to none, and basically everyone on the team can score. Although unlike the last series versus Kerry Park, I don't think special teams will be the deciding factor. The only team to have fewer penalties than Campbell River during the regular season was Victoria. This series will come down to solid by-the-book hockey, no funny stuff, but that's not to say it won't be rough. If Victoria is make this series shorter than the 6 games I think it can go, they need to win in Campbell River and shut down their top line, in front of a huge Storm fan base.
My pick for the player to have the biggest impact: Robert Zadra. Expect him to jump up from defence when he needs to, and to anchor the second power play unit. He can score, hit, and generally annoy his opponents to no end. I expect him to dominate the physical game on both sides for this series. Who said tough guys aren't allowed to score?
Prediction: Victoria 4 - Campbell River 2
Comox Valley vs Peninsula
This series is quite a bit different than the Victoria series. It can basically be a coin flip. I think this series has the potential to go 7 games if the Panthers can stay out of the box. Peninsula was the most penalized team in the league, but their PK is actually quite solid, after all they had lots of practice. The Panthers do hold a 3-1 season series advantage over the Glacier Kings, but I don't think that will be a huge factor. Both teams have been playing very well, and both teams dispatched their first round opponents quite easily. The main question I have, is there any Peninsula players suffering significant injuries from the series against Westshore? That series was akin to a gladiator battle for 5 games. If Comox is to win they may be in for a long brutal battle, not many teams can win against the Panthers in a physical game. I think if this series goes 7 games, Comox will win by virtue of the comeback momentum, and possibly having a healthier team.
My pick for the player to have the biggest impact: Grayson Vickers. If the Panthers bother to give him the ice time I think he deserves, he will cause all kinds of problems for the Glacier Kings. He's probably one of the biggest defencemen in the league who can also skate. I can see Vickers having his way with Comox, if he isn't being stuck on the bench for a player or two who aren't as solid.
Prediction: Peninsula 4 - Comox 2 (note: if this series goes 7 games, I think Comox takes it)
I have been saying for weeks now that Comox is my pick from the North to head to the finals, but I don't think they can get past the Panthers. If my predictions are as accurate for the second round as they were for the first, we should see the Cougars and Panthers in the finals once again.
Agree or disagree with my predictions? Sound off on Twitter! @VicPlaybyPlay
Come back in a few weeks for my final round predictions, regardless of who is playing, but in the mean time I am sure I will have more to say. I have been on a roll lately. It's still cold in the booth, but you can't beat the view.
Victoria vs Kerry Park
Prediction: Victoria 4 - Kerry Park 0
Result: Victoria 4 - Kerry Park 0
Peninsula vs Westshore
Prediction: Peninsula 4 - Westshore 1
Result: Peninsula 4 - Westshore 1
Comox vs Saanich
Prediction: Comox 4 - Saanich 0
Result: Comox 4 - Saanich 0
Campbell River vs Nanaimo
Prediction: Campbell River 4 - Nanaimo 2
Result: Campbell River 4 - Nanaimo 2
The second round will be a little for difficult to predict as far as who wins how many games. All 4 remaining teams have what it takes to win it all this year.
Victoria vs Campbell River
Again let's take a look at the series I know best. Victoria versus Campbell River. The season series between these two is split at 2-2, and I think that might carry over into the playoffs. These teams are evenly matched on many levels, but ultimately I believe Victoria has what it takes to finish this series off. Now, I might be slightly biased, okay I am completely biased, but I still believe it completely. Victoria has two goalies that can be the starter on any team in this league, and a defensive core that could give fits to most Junior A teams. Their powerplay is second to none, and basically everyone on the team can score. Although unlike the last series versus Kerry Park, I don't think special teams will be the deciding factor. The only team to have fewer penalties than Campbell River during the regular season was Victoria. This series will come down to solid by-the-book hockey, no funny stuff, but that's not to say it won't be rough. If Victoria is make this series shorter than the 6 games I think it can go, they need to win in Campbell River and shut down their top line, in front of a huge Storm fan base.
My pick for the player to have the biggest impact: Robert Zadra. Expect him to jump up from defence when he needs to, and to anchor the second power play unit. He can score, hit, and generally annoy his opponents to no end. I expect him to dominate the physical game on both sides for this series. Who said tough guys aren't allowed to score?
Prediction: Victoria 4 - Campbell River 2
Comox Valley vs Peninsula
This series is quite a bit different than the Victoria series. It can basically be a coin flip. I think this series has the potential to go 7 games if the Panthers can stay out of the box. Peninsula was the most penalized team in the league, but their PK is actually quite solid, after all they had lots of practice. The Panthers do hold a 3-1 season series advantage over the Glacier Kings, but I don't think that will be a huge factor. Both teams have been playing very well, and both teams dispatched their first round opponents quite easily. The main question I have, is there any Peninsula players suffering significant injuries from the series against Westshore? That series was akin to a gladiator battle for 5 games. If Comox is to win they may be in for a long brutal battle, not many teams can win against the Panthers in a physical game. I think if this series goes 7 games, Comox will win by virtue of the comeback momentum, and possibly having a healthier team.
My pick for the player to have the biggest impact: Grayson Vickers. If the Panthers bother to give him the ice time I think he deserves, he will cause all kinds of problems for the Glacier Kings. He's probably one of the biggest defencemen in the league who can also skate. I can see Vickers having his way with Comox, if he isn't being stuck on the bench for a player or two who aren't as solid.
Prediction: Peninsula 4 - Comox 2 (note: if this series goes 7 games, I think Comox takes it)
I have been saying for weeks now that Comox is my pick from the North to head to the finals, but I don't think they can get past the Panthers. If my predictions are as accurate for the second round as they were for the first, we should see the Cougars and Panthers in the finals once again.
Agree or disagree with my predictions? Sound off on Twitter! @VicPlaybyPlay
Come back in a few weeks for my final round predictions, regardless of who is playing, but in the mean time I am sure I will have more to say. I have been on a roll lately. It's still cold in the booth, but you can't beat the view.
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