Freddie's Fodder: A Lot Back At Round One

Well, the first round has come and gone with a beauty of a finish in Game 7 of the Spokane – Portland series last night. Managed to pick up Mike Boyle’s call (on Spokane radio) of the 3rd period and overtime while driving back to Lethbridge after watching the Flames keep their playoff hopes alive with a big win over Phoenix. Talk about drama and excitement. Spokane led 3-0 before the midway point of the second, and went up 4-2 with just over 13 minutes to go in the 3rd, when former Hurricane Kyle Beach scored his 7th of the series. The Winterhawks were not to be denied and rallied with two goals late from Riley Boychuk and Luke Walker, before Ty Rattie provided the overtime heroics, scoring with two and a half to go in the first extra session. So, with the conclusion of that game, that saw my round one prediction record improve to 7-1. I’ll certainly take that. My only setback, the Kelowna Rockets seven game series win over Everett. I had the series going the distance, but Everett was unable to cash in with home ice advantage.

Some first round observations...

Medicine Hat’s Tyler Bunz is asserting himself as a real good WHL netminder. I liked him during the regular season, and he has elevated his play for the post-season. The recently turned 18 year old from St. Albert had a 2.32 goals against average and a very impressive .915 save percentage in the opening round. He rattled off four straight wins against a Kootenay team, some had as having a shot to reach the Conference final.

Who saw this coming from the Sylvester brothers? Dustin, the crafty 20 year old who I thought was as valuable as any player in the league to his team during the regular season for the Kootenay Ice was almost completely shut down by Wil Desjardins Tigers’ in the opening round. He only scored once over the course of the six games – after netting 35 in the regular season. His brother – Cody who turns 18 on the 13th of this month scored ten goals during the regular season. He was a difference maker in the opening round, potting five including some timely ones in the Hitmen come from behind 7 game win over Moose Jaw.

Don Hay understands how to win in the playoffs doesn’t he? His all-time career coaching playoff record with the Giants is now 53-24. Very impressive stuff! They swept Kamloops in the first round, who I think will be even better next year under the tutelage of Guy Charron.
Kyle Beach can play. Those that are dislikers of the 19 year old - get used to seeing a lot of him over the next 15 plus years. I think he will go on to have a good NHL career. One big knock against him was his play in the post-season. How’s seven goals and two assists against a Portland team that keyed heavily on him? Beach was also +2, a positive for him who at times has been criticized by the other side for not being responsible enough in his own end. Former teammate and Hurricane Luca Sbisa had a goal and two assists in that series but was used a lot by head coach Mike Johnston, who I thought displayed some great coaching in that opening round victory. Lethbridge product Blake Gal had a great series. He was + 8 for Spokane.

Bold move in Red Deer by Head Coach Jesse Wallin to make Landon Ferraro a healthy scratch for the series deciding Game 4 against Saskatoon. Just a thought, but if Landon Ferraro was somehow made available during this off season, if I’m Rich Preston I find a way to make a substantial offer for the gifted forward who will be 19 next season. The Canes’ definitely will need another top end scorer if they are to become a playoff threat once again. Ferraro who was an early second round draft pick by Detroit will have lots to prove, after an injury riddled 2009-10 campaign. If I’m a part of the Rebels brass I don’t move him, but if Rich Preston gets the desire to make an off season phone call, I’d find out where Wallins’ summer home is...
Lorne Molleken had his team very well prepared against Red Deer. The antics of game two aside, the Blades proved they are for real in these 2010 playoffs.

I’ll post my second round playoff predictions later today... Need a bit more time to wrap my head around a couple of the series.

Fred Jack is the Colour Analyst on Hurricanes Radio Broadcasts on CJOC