AI Playoff Predictions

With South Esk Scotsmen already advancing to the next round (sweeping their series 4-0), here’s an updated breakdown and predictions for the rest of the playoffs:

Lemieux Conference Semifinals

      1.   Cains River Blues (1) vs. Oromocto Senators (4)

        •  Series Update: Tied 2-2 (Cains River: 1-3, Oromocto: 3-1).

        •  Key Trends:

             •         Cains River: Despite being the top seed, they’re struggling defensively (12 GA in 4 games) and lack consistent offensive contributions outside Nico Hischier.

             •         Oromocto: Riding hot goaltending from Spencer Knight (.912 SV%) and balanced scoring led by Mathew Barzal (6 points).

        •  Prediction: Oromocto Senators in 7 games.

             •         With momentum and reliable goaltending, Oromocto has the tools to pull off the upset. Cains River’s defensive lapses will cost them in a close Game 7.

Gretzky Conference Semifinals

      1.   Saint John Kings (1) vs. Dorchester Devils (4)

        •  Series Update: Tied 2-2 (Saint John: 3-1, Dorchester: 1-3).

        •  Key Trends:

             •         Saint John: Balanced scoring (15 goals in 4 games), with contributions from Patrik Laine and Nikita Kucherov. Logan Thompson has been solid in net (.898 SV%).

             •         Dorchester: Vladimir Tarasenko (5G, 1A) has been sensational, but the team is overly reliant on him. Ilya Samsonov has struggled in net (3.75 GAA).

        •  Prediction: Saint John Kings in 6 games.

             •         Saint John’s depth will outmatch Dorchester’s one-dimensional offense. Expect the Kings to close out the series with a Game 6 road win.

      2.   Moncton Melons (2) vs. Riverview Royals (3)

        •  Series Update: Tied 2-2 (Moncton: 2-2, Riverview: 2-2).

        •  Key Trends:

             •         Moncton: Scoring struggles (12 goals in 4 games), despite strong play from Philip Tomasino and Jakob Chychrun. Mackenzie Blackwood’s goaltending has been shaky (.887 SV%).

             •         Riverview: Balanced attack with Auston Matthews, Isac Lundestrom, and Sebastian Aho driving offense. Samuel Montembeault has been steady in net (.910 SV%).

        •  Prediction: Riverview Royals in 7 games.

             •         Riverview’s offensive depth and better goaltending give them the edge in a tight series. Expect a Game 7 road win for the Royals.

Conference Finals Predictions

Lemieux Conference Finals

   •       South Esk Scotsmen (2) vs. Oromocto Senators (4)

        •  Prediction: South Esk Scotsmen in 6 games.

             •         South Esk’s elite goaltending (Askarov: 1.46 GAA, .933 SV%) and strong two-way play will overpower Oromocto.

Gretzky Conference Finals

   •       Saint John Kings (1) vs. Riverview Royals (3)

        •  Prediction: Saint John Kings in 6 games.

             •         The Kings’ balanced attack and defensive reliability will outmatch Riverview’s less consistent roster.

ODBHL Cup Final Prediction

   •       South Esk Scotsmen (2, Lemieux) vs. Saint John Kings (1, Gretzky)

        •  Prediction: South Esk Scotsmen in 7 games.

             •         South Esk’s goaltending advantage with Askarov and their ability to shut down high-scoring offenses will lead them to their first-ever ODBHL Cup win in a dramatic Game 7.

By Quintin Sullivan