Other Previews
OTL and SOL combined in record breakdown section |
|
This is the 3rd time these 2 teams have met in the playoffs with the Erie Otters prevailing each time 4-1 in the opening round. The Otteres come into this series as the first team in CHL history with 4 straight 50 win seasons. Anything less than an OHL championship will be seen as a major disappointment.
The Sting came into this season with lots of potential but lost 3 players to the NHL. They have a young and emerging roster and while over matched against Erie they can use this as a stepping stone to greater success next season.
Players to Watch
Erie Otters
Kyle Maksimovich: We all know about the
Debrincat's, the Stromes, the Cirelli's etc. For the Otters to
finally break through and take the OHL title in what is looking like
the final year of their window they will need scoring from all levels
of their offence. Maksimivich is in the middle of what may be the
quietest consecutive point per game season in the league. He will need
to improve upon his .62 ppg from last seasons playoffs and the growth
in his game this year should allow him to do so.
Owen Headrick: A 14th round
pick in 2013 Headrick saw his game blossom in the NOJHL as a 16 and
17 year old before jumping to the NCAA with LSSU as an 18 year old
true freshman. In 1.5 seasons in the Michigan Soo he thrived playing
against men who were 4 to 6 years older than him. He has been a solid
addition to the Otters blueline with 8 points in 23 games but dont be
surprised if that productions sees a jump come playoff time.
Sarnia Sting
Drake Rymsha: The scoring forward cost
the Sting 4 draft picks including 2 2nds at the deadline that left
some scratching their heads. All Drake has done since the trade is
put up points. His (insert total) is the most by any player acquired
at the deadline.
Jeff King: The overage defender his
coming off of a career year where he has blown all his personal bests
out of the water. He has been particularly dynamic since the middle
of February where he had a stretch of points in 12 out of 13 games
which included 7 goals and 15 assists.
Keys to the Series
Erie: Don't pick up any injuries, stay
disciplined and use it as a stepping stone to what could be a
challenging 2nd round match up
Sarnia: Use this as a building block
for next season. The Sting have a intriguing roster shaping up for
next season and if they can get Hughes and Weiss to commit they may
be the best bets in the West Division to challenge the Greyhounds.
Use this as a learning experience and allow it to help supplement
further development.
Season Series
Head to Head Results
Oct 2nd
Sarnia 2 @ Erie 7
Nov 19th
Erie 4 @ Sarnia 3
Jan 20th
Erie 8 @ Sarnia 2
Mar 4th
Sarnia 5 @ Erie 3
Other Series Predictions
From @DominicTiano is his Playoff preview for all 8 series
From @NaitSayger comes his OHL playoff preview for SportsNet
From @NaitSayger comes his OHL playoff preview for SportsNet
Prediction
Erie in 4. Sarnia could steal one like they did in Erie on March 4th but so much would have to go right for them to do that even just once that I personally wouldn't bet on them winning a game.
No comments:
Post a Comment