The visit to the Division Finals will be the first for both Colorado Eagles and the Abbotsford Canucks. Expect this series to be one of the hardest series that the Eagles have played in a while. During the regular season, Colorado played the Canucks eight times and walked away with a  2–4–1–1 record. Both the Eagles and Canucks fought for the top of the Pacific Division, ending the season only two points apart. It was the First time that the Eagles finished first in the division, but only narrowly.

When They Play

In the AHL, home-ice is a bit strange. Even though the Eagles have the home-ice advantage, they will finish the series in their barn. It is done mostly this way to eliminate travel. So the first two games will be played in Abbotsford and then the next three will be played in Loveland (if necessary).

Players To Watch For – Abbotsford

Forward Sammy Blais has averaged just over a point per game with the Canucks this postseason. He brings NHL playoff experience to the game and a heavy hitting game with him. His 257 NHL games will make him a threat to score anywhere past the blue line. The Eagles will need to shut Blais down as much as they can.

Rookie Jonathan Lekkerimäki has only played four games in the playoffs, but was an offensive threat against the Eagles. In the eight games against Colorado, he tallied six goals and two assists. He may see some ice time, despite little playoff experience because of his knack of scoring against the Eagles.

Goaltender Artūrs Šilovs is the only one that has seen the crease of Abbotsford this postseason. He has been impressive, with 1.74 goals allowed average and .935 save percentage. Šilovs also has two shutouts in seven games played. He was by far the best goalie in the regular season against the Eagles, so expect nothing less for him to get the crease.

Players To Watch For – Colorado

Tye Felhaber has three goals and three assists in just four games played this postseason. Felhaber had the go ahead goal in Game Four to clinch the series for the Eagles and help move them ahead. He has been vital to the offense so far this season.

Jayson Megna can play on both sides of the puck while also being a scoring threat. He led several shorthanded breakaways during penalty kills but came up short. The captain also has three goals and three assists and was third in scoring during the regular season for Colorado.

Matthew Phillips and his speed are something that every team has to watch out for. He can take a puck and be down the ice in only a couple of seconds, ready to set a play up. Phillips used his speed to win Game Three in overtime and give Colorado a two game lead.

Trent Miner holds a 1.96 goals allowed average with a .939 save percentage. Miner is a big reason that the Eagles are where they are in the playoffs. He has made plays that have kept them in the games, so expect nothing different from him in this series.

During the regular season, the games were very close or complete blowouts. We can expect both sides to shut down offensive chances and both goalies to step their game up even more. This series will definitely not be a sweep.

How to Watch/Listen

Watch: FloHockey.com (subscription needed)

Listen: 99.9 FM The Point in Northern Colorado. There is also a 99.9 The Point app that can be downloaded to listen anywhere.