The WHL Playoffs continue to move forward with some surprises. The #1 seed Everett Silvertips were ousted by the #8 seed Vancouver Giants. That marked the first time in playoff history that has happened. This year the WHL playoff schedule changes things a bit from what most know.
Instead of simply moving forward down the playoff bracket, each team is reseeded based on season play and the schedule is altered as needed. Had Everett won their series Portland would have face the Kamloops Blazers. Instead Portland will play a very familiar foe for it’s round 2 matchup in the Seattle Thunderbirds.
Like seasons prior, the matchup between Portland and Seattle is one with no love lost between the two teams. This season not only did Portland finish ahead of Seattle in the rankings, but they own the overall season series winning multiple games in overtime and shootouts. While Portland owns the home ice advantage, they will start game one in Kent, WA due to event conflicts at Portland’s home ice. Saturday’s matchup should prove to be an electric game as both teams have added motivation to ousts the other from the playoffs.
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