Chicago, Muskegon heavily favored in first round

Since nobody asked, I’m going to revive my tradition of USHL playoff predictions! Starting with the East...

1) Chicago vs 4) Dubuque. Some have called the Steel the best team in USHL history, and offensively, it is hard to argue. The USHL’s version of the 1980s Edmonton Oilers don’t always seem to backcheck, play physical enough, or have a good enough save percentage, but they win. They do it by offensive magicians, playing physical when they have to, and getting the big save when they need it. Still, this will not be an easy series, as Dubuque has been a frightening team to play the last couple of months. 

PREDICTION: Although they are limited to 25% capacity, the Steel have stepped it up a notch since the state let fans attend. There will be no blow outs, but Chicago should win in two hard fought games. 

2) Muskegon vs 3) Green Bay. If the Steel are the best team the league has seen, is Muskegon second? Flying under the radar all season, Muskegon almost pulled off a late season challenge to catch Chicago. Their style of play is almost a mirror image of the Steel. In an increasingly small league, Green Bay has the size playoffs typically require. But in a best of three, it’s not really a typical playoff, as the size and wearing down of the opposition usually takes four or five games. 

PREDICTION: Home ice is huge, and all the games are in Muskegon. Muskegon in two.

Home ice advantage should make difference in USHL West

 And now for the USHL West...

1) Tri-City vs 4) Fargo. An interesting matchup considering both teams spent most of the season in the opposite spot. The Storm are good, they know it and they will make sure you know it. The Force got off to a great start but did not seem to maintain that level of play when it mattered most. Tri-City is one of the few teams with little to no crowd restriction, so home ice will matter more in this series than in the East. 

PREDICTION: The West was close from top to bottom, so there is no reason to believe this will be easy. Tri-City in three.

2) Omaha vs 3) Sioux City. The only natural rivalry in round one makes this perhaps the most intriguing series. Omaha is one of the league’s most well rounded teams, and they have a bit more size than most. Sioux City played very strong after Christmas, and finished the season in a higher spot than they were at any point in the season. They also won a key game down the stretch in Ralston, so they won’t be intimidated playing on the road. 

PREDICTION: If you are going to watch one series, make it this one. Two wins on the road might be too much to ask of the Musketeers, look for the Lancers to win in three hard fought games.