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.
12/4/2024 - 457 words
