VANCOUVER – The WHL is starting to look like there are two types of divisional pictures. In the East Division and the U.S. Division, a team can move from the bottom to the top or vice-versa in a matter of two or three games. Exceptions to that rule are the basement-dwelling Seattle Thunderbirds (10-16-1-3) in the U.S. Division and the every-improving Saskatoon Blades (20-4-0-3) in the East Division.
Meanwhile, in the Central Division and the B.C. Division, the Calgary Hitmen (20-8-1-0) and Vancouver Giants (18-8-1-2) have had a stranglehold on first place in their respective divisions since early in the season.
East Division
The Saskatoon Blades, who are ranked #3 in the CHL this week, are starting to run away with first in their division. Early in the season, the Moose Jaw Warriors caught fire, and it looked like the Warriors and the Blades would be neck in neck throughout the season. However, Moose Jaw wasn’t able to maintain its pace, and are now part of a traffic jam of teams fighting for the remaining spots in the division.
Four points separate second and sixth place in the East. The Brandon Wheat Kings have surged lately, and the Regina Pats had a similar burst to put them in the conversation a couple of weeks ago. Only Moose Jaw is without a winning record in its last ten games, making this the divisional race to watch.
Central Division
Although the Calgary Hitmen have been a dominant team for much of this season, the Medicine Hat Tigers’ improved play of late has seen the Tigers inch up the standings. Medicine Hat is now just four points behind Calgary, but the Hitmen have two games in hand, and could well increase the gap in the near future. That said, the Hitmen have cooled off a bit, and are ranked #9 in the CHL this week, their lowest rating of the year.
The rest of the Central teams are well back of first, with only the third place Kootenay Ice showing any signs of life recently. The Ice are on a three game winning streak, and forward, Dustin Sylvester, was named WHL player of the week for his six point performance in two road games.
B.C. Division
Unlike the Central, the B.C. Division is all but decided. The Vancouver Giants have a ten-point lead and two games in hand over the second place Chilliwack Bruins. The Prince George Cougars are the worst team in the WHL with just four wins in 26 games, and are 16 points out of a playoff berth.
Of course, there is still more than half a season to go, and anything can happen. But other than the Giants, every team in the B.C. Division has a losing record in their last ten games.
U.S. Division
Other than the Seattle Thunderbirds, who have been a non-factor all season, the teams in the U.S. Division are in a tight race. The #7 CHL ranked Tri-City Americans have lost two in a row, and have thereby lost some breathing room in their first place lead, as the Portland Winterhawks and Spokane Chiefs continue their strong play. The fourth place Everett Silvertips are just five points behind the Americans, suggesting that every spot is up for grabs in the standings.
Cotact happy.kreter@prohockeynews.com
You must be logged in to post a comment.