CFHL Playoffs and Round 2 preview

The first round of the playoffs didn't disappoint with two very close games.  One game was decided on the final day and actually was tied.

AshBusters 4 Mayhem on Ice 3
As predicted the AshBusters dominated in all the skater categories (goals, assists, +/-, PPP) but the Mayhem  made it interesting winning goalie categories and hits.  The Mayhem on Sunday needed just one PPP to tie the game or 2 assists.  On Sunday, the Mayhem did get 3 assists but the AshBusters countered with 2 to keep the Mayhem from pulling off the upset.  The AshBusters big names didn't disappoint as Bergeron, Scheifele and Carlson all had 2 goals and 2 assists each.  AshBusters move on and the Mayhem on Ice defense of the cup comes to an end.

Assassins 3.5 (W) White Mambas 3.5
This game was tight to the very end.  Just when it looked like the White Mambas had the game wrapped up and was commencing St. Patrick Day celebration maneuvers, the Assassins were not done yet.  Both teams were tied in +/- at -4.  That is when the Assassins' Rantanen, Dahlin and Pulock all tallied a +1 winning that category and ultimately tying the game at 3.5 each.  With the Assassins as the home team they were victorious in OT and move on.  A heartbreaking loss for the White Mambas. 

Rantanen helped Assassins to victory

Playoffs Round 2 Preview:

Assassins at La Femme Nikita - I don't see the Assassins getting as lucky as they did on St. Patrick's Day versus the number one team in the league La Femme Nikita.  They have significant fire power along the front lines with Stamkos and Kucherov leading the team.  Kucherov has been the team player of the year with 35 goals and 82 assists with a +20 and 45 PPP.  Assassins could compete somewhat here with Wheeler, Rantanen and Tkachuk, but they will need to have one of their best weeks of the season.

Can this guy be stopped?

Goalies is where this will be an even bigger difference.  La Femme Nikita will have in net 2 of the best goalies in the league with Price and Vasilevskiy.  Assassins have Crawford and Hart.  Enough said..

Prediction:  Nikita 5-2

AshBusters at Who Gives a Puck
This game could be closer than the stats would indicate.  Even thought the AshBusters lead the league in most of the skater categories, Who Gives a Puck will be leaning heavily on two pairs from Edmonton and Calgary.  McDavid and Draisaitl can light it up.  Gaudreau and Monahan can put up some points as well.  They will both need to do just that to have a chance. 

McDavid and Draisaitl look to upset the AshBusters

Who Gives a Puck has slight advantage in net as well with Dubnyk and Griess vs. Hellebuyck and Murray.

Prediction Who Gives a Puck 4-3 in an upset preventing a household Cherry Cup