The second round of playoffs is underway, and for the most part the teams who started off with home-ice advantage seem to be taking the lead. In my opinion, the series to keep an eye on is the London-Guelph series in the OHL. London has won the OHL championship the last two seasons in a row and will be hosting the Memorial Cup, but Guelph has led the league and clinched the first-place spot. Needless to say, Guelph is hungry for a spot in the four-team tournament. However, London’s automatic bid is going to make them want to prove themselves. So far, the series is tied 1-1.
WHL
Kelowna Rockets vs. Seattle Thunderbirds: Leading the series two games to none, the Rockets’ defenseman Damon Severson has been named the WHL Player of the Week. Last week in the first game of the series, Severson contributed two goals and two assists to lead the Rockets to a 6-2 win. In game two, he had a power-play goal and two assists in a 6-3 victory.
Portland Winterhawks vs. Victoria Royals: The Winterhawks have won both games so far against the Royals, but the next two games in Victoria could turn things around.
Edmonton Oil Kings vs. Brandon Wheat Kings: The Wheat Kings lead the Oil Kings two games to none. However, they have back-to-back games on Tuesday and Wednesday on the road.
Medicine Hat Tigers vs. Kootenay Ice: The series is tied at one game each, with the next game two games in Medicine Hat on Wednesday and Thursday.
QMJHL
Baie-Comeau Drakkar vs. Rouyn-Noranda Huskies: Baie-Comeau leads the series 2-0, with a 4-1 win and a 5-2 win. The next three games are in Rouyn-Noranda on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
Halifax Mooseheads vs. Gatineau Olympiques: Halifax leads the series 2-0, but will travel to Gatineau for the next three games of the series.
Val d’Or Foreurs vs. Drummondville Voltiguers: The series is tied at one, with both games going into overtime. Drummondville won the first in OT 4-3, with Val d’Or coming back to win the second game 4-3 in OT. The next two games will be in Drummondville on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Rimouski Oceanic vs. Blainville-Boisbriand Armada: Rimouski won two home games, 4-2 and 3-0, to lead the series 2-0. They’ll be on the road on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.
OHL
Guelph Storm vs. London Knights: Perhaps the most highly anticipated series of the OHL playoffs, the No. 1 seeded Guelph Storm takes on the 2014 hosts and reigning OHL champs, the London Knights. So far, the series is tied at one game apiece.
Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds vs. Erie Otters: The Erie Otters lead the series against the Greyhounds 3-1. Erie can clinched the series on Tuesday, April 8th at home.
Barrie Colts vs. North Bay Battalion: North Bay leads the series 2-0, but with a home win on Thursday, the Colts can still cut the lead in half.
Oshawa Generals vs. Peterborough Petes: Oshawa has a two-game lead over Peterborough, and they have their goaltender to thank. Daniel Altshuller was named the OHL Player of the Week this past week for recording two shutouts against the Petes.
