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
