By Derek Holtom
MJHL Web Correspondent
Three teams have 3-0 leads in their best-of-seven series, following the first three games of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League quarter-finals.
The Portage Terriers lead their best-of-seven series 3-0 over the Waywayseecappo Wolverines. The Terriers, who will host the RBC Cup this spring, have out-scored the Wolverines 24-1 in the first three games of this series. Shawn Bowles and Jordan Boyd each have seven points in three games for the Terriers, who don’t appear to be letting their foot off the gas against a Wolverines’ team known for its strong defensive play.
The second-seeded Steinbach Pistons also lead their series 3-0 after a 4-0 shutout win over the Selkirk Steelers Sunday night.
The game was the first shutout of the series – the first game went into overtime, while the second game was decided by just one goal. Despite the shutout, Selkirk’s Adam Wowryk continues to lead all MJHL playoff scorers with nine points (including seven goals). The Steelers, like the Wolverines, played in the survivor series to advance to the final eight, and have played more playoff games than the top six seeds.
Another interesting series has the Winnipeg Blues up 3-0 on the Swan Valley Stampeders in the three-versus-six matchup. While down in the series, the Stampeders have enjoyed leads at stretches this series, and each game was decided by an empty net goal. The Stampeders feel they have been in every game, and like the Wolverines and Steelers, are hoping to stretch their series past four games with a win on home ice this week.
The final series looks as though it might go the distance. The fourth-seeded Winkler Flyers lead the Virden Oil Capitals 2-1, with the Flyers winning both of their games in overtime. Only four points separated these two teams in the regular season, so it’s no shock they are playing it so close so far.
Winnipeg and Steinbach continue their series on Tuesday (March 17), while Portage and Wayway return to the ice on Wednesday.
