Discussions

Playoff time is here!!  
I'll go with the regular season format for this game day thread. Starting with game 2, I'll move to a setup that focuses on the series and playoffs.  
 
Kootenay Ice: 6th in Eastern Conference, 35-29-2-6  
Top Scorers: Andrew Bailey (28+33=61), Tylan Stephens (27+30=57), Kevin King (21+32=53), Dustin Sylvester (21+20=41, injured)  
Top Defenceman: Ian Barteaux (10+29=39)  
Probable starting goalie: Starter Nathan Lieuwen is injured, giving the game 1 start to Todd Matthews (17-18-0-3, 3.48, 0.887).  
Manitobans: James Martin (Winnipeg)  
 
 
Brandon Wheat Kings, 3rd in Eastern Conference, 48-19-3-2  
Top Scorers: Brayden Schenn (32+56=88), Jay Fehr (32+52=84), Andrew Clark (40+38=78), Matt Lowry (13+64=77)  
Top Defenceman: Colby Robak (13+29=42)  
Probable Starting Goalie: Andrew Hayes (30-11-2-1, 2.84, 0.901)  
 
Eyes tonight will be on..  
- goaltending. Both Andrew Hayes and Todd Matthews will be making their first career playoff starts.  
- the first goal. As mentioned in another thread, the team scoring first won all four regular season head-to-head matchups  
- Captain Keith Aulie. There's been no official announcement, but it's speculated he'll be back in the lineup tonight.  
- Baby Blues. Combined for four points in Brandon's six playoff games last year. Now that they know the extra price you have to pay in the playoffs, they'll be expected to contribute a lot more.  
 
Can't wait til puck drop...  
I'll post scratches and lineups at the usual time