The Dauphin Kings have advanced to the MJHL Finals for the first time since 2014 after defeating the Winkler Flyers in five games.
From start to finish in this second round series, the Kings controlled the pace of play for the majority of each game. A strong defensive team in the Kings were able to find their offensive touch and play strong in both ends of the ice that resulted in a convincing five game series win over Winkler.
Dauphin outshot Winkler in four of five games and were perfect on home ice going 3-0. Special teams are a key factor in any playoff team success and it’s been no different for the Kings who boast a playoff best 82.5% penalty kill and third best 26.8% conversion rate on the powerplay.
Carson Cherepak has been a calming influence on the Kings all season long and he’s continued that trend in the postseason as the 19-year-old goaltender leads the MJHL playoffs in all major statistical goaltending categories. The Kings depth has been put to the test and has certainly passed with flying colours showing they can put the puck in the net when it matters most from both the backend and throughout their lineup on offense.
The Kings will now wait and see who they will compete against for the Turnbull Trophy with the Steinbach Pistons leading the Virden Oil Capitals 3-2 in their best-of-seven series. Game six between Steinbach and Virden is set for Monday night at Tundra Oil & Gas Place in Virden.
ROUND TWO
Kings win best-of-seven series 4-1
Game 1: Winkler (2) @ Dauphin (4)
Game 2: Winkler (1) @ Dauphin (3)
Game 3: Dauphin (4) @ Winkler (5)
Game 4: Dauphin (5) @ Winkler (2)
Game 5: Winkler (1) @ Dauphin (5)
ROUND ONE
Kings win best-of-seven series 4-2
Game 1: Swan Valley (1) @ Dauphin (5)
Game 2: Swan Valley (2) @ Dauphin (3)
Game 3: Dauphin (6) @ Swan Valley (1)
Game 4: Dauphin (3) @ Swan Valley (6)
Game 5: Swan Valley (5) @ Dauphin (4) F/2OT
Game 6: Dauphin (3) @ Swan Valley (2) F/2OT
Kings Playoff Leaders
D – Parker Malchuk 10GP | 3G | 12A | 15PTS
F – Kaden Bryant 11GP | 7G | 7A | 14PTS
G – Carson Cherepak (DAU) 8-2-1 | 2.43GAA | .919SV%
