CHL playoff predictions, NCAA Bracket updated, Marlies clinched and a few signings…

With the CHL being dark for a few days, there isn’t anything to recap. The CHL playoffs are beginning Thursday and Friday, the OHL has three series starting Thursday night and the WHL with one. Here are the entire OHL, WHL and QMJHL matchups with my predictions for the first round.

OHL – Eastern Conference

Kingston Frontenacs (1) vs. Oshawa Generals (8) – Prediction: Frontenacs in 4

Barrie Colts (2) vs. Mississauga Steelheads (7) – Prediction: Barrie in 5

North Bay Battalion (3) vs. Peterborough Petes (6) – Prediction: Petes in 6

Niagara IceDogs (4) vs. Ottawa 67’s (5) – Prediction: IceDogs in 7

OHL – Western Conference

Erie Otters (1) vs. Saginaw Spirit (8) – Prediction: Otters in 4

Sarnia Sting (2) vs. Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (7) – Prediction: Sting in 5

London Knights (3) vs. Owen Sound (6) – Prediction: Knights in 4

Kitchener Rangers (4) vs. Windsor Spitfires (5) – Prediction: Rangers in 5

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WHL – East Division

Brandon Wheat Kings (1) vs. Edmonton Oil Kings (2^nd Wild Card) – Prediction: Wheat Kings in 4

Prince Albert Raiders (2) vs. Moose Jaw Warriors (3) – Prediction: Warriors in 6

WHL – BC Division

Victoria Royals (1) vs. Spokane Chiefs (2^nd Wild Card) – Prediction: Royals in 5

Kelowna Rockets (2) vs. Kamloops Blazers (3) – Prediction: Blazers in 6

WHL – Central Division

Lethbridge Hurricanes (1) vs. Regina Pats (1^st  Wild Card) – Prediction: Hurricanes in 4

Red Deer Rebels (2) vs. Calgary Hitmen (3) – Prediction: Rebels in 6

WHL – US Division

Seattle Thunderbirds (1) vs. Prince George Cougars (1^st Wild Card) – Prediction: Thunderbirds in 6

Everett Silvertips (2) vs. Portland Winterhawks (3) – Prediction: Winterhawks in 7

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QMJHL

Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (1) vs. Drummondville Voltiguers (16) – Prediction: Huskies in 4

Shawinigan Cataractes (2) vs. Sherbrooke Phoenix (15) – Prediction: Cataractes in 6

Saint John Sea Dogs (3) vs. Acadie-Bathurst Titan (14) – Prediction: Titan in 6

Val-d’Or Foreurs (4) vs. Blainville-Boisbrand Armada (13) – Prediction: Foreurs in 6

Gatineau Olympiques (5) vs. Quebec Remparts (12) – Prediction: Remparts in 6

Moncton Wildcats (6) vs. Victoriaville Tigres (11) – Prediction: Wildcats in 5

Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (7) vs. Chicoutimi Sagueneens (10) – Prediction: Saugueneens in 6

Rimouski Oceanic (8) vs. Charlottetown Islanders (9) – Prediction: Islanders in 6

Enjoy all the CHL action, there are a lot of great series and there will be a lot of scoring throughout the entire three leagues across Canada and the Northern U.S.

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As for the AHL, the Toronto Marlies are the first team to clinch a playoff spot. The Marlies have slowed down since the Maple Leafs have recalled a few of their notable scorers, but when the AHL playoffs begin, those guys will be added back to the Marlies who will look very strong to go deep in the Calder Cup playoffs.

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Don’t forget that the NCAA Road to the Championship bracket has been set. The first two rounds will be played all this weekend, the Frozen Four will be decided by Sunday evening.

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Keep an eye out for new profile updates on our site to see if any CHL junior players are heading to the AHL now that their CHL teams have been eliminated. One name to watch for is Brandon Carlo (BOS). Carlo scored 27 points in 52 games with the Tri-City Americans of the WHL. Carlo could see a little bit of playing time with the Providence Bruins down the stretch.

There have been a few more updates our “Undrafted – Under 20” players being updated by our very own Peter Harling, be sure to check out those players who have developed late and could be signed as free agents.

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A few signings to point out from yesterday:

Ben Thomas (TB) has signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Andrew Mangiapane (CGY) has signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Calgary Flames.

Eamon McAdam (NYI) has signed a three-year entry-level contract with the New York Islanders.

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Feel free to leave comments, questions or concerns below, have fun playing the game of Fantasy Hockey.

Paul Zwambag
@zwambag