The Pac-8 playoff weekend begins in Cheney on Friday with four first round matchups. With the league championship on the line, five teams are seeking their first title, while three teams are seeking a piece of history.
The weekend kicks off with the University of Washington taking on the University of San-Diego, followed by San Jose State University battling out Western Washington University. In the later afternoon, the first-round caps off with the University of Southern California hosting Washington State University as well as the University of California-Berkeley contesting with Eastern Washington University. Here are my predictions for day-one of this long-awaited championship weekend.
UW vs. UCSD
Washington has shown nothing but consistency for yet another season, finishing second in the Pac. With a high-powered offense backed by a solid variety of goaltending they should completely wipe out UCSD. However, California-San Diego has shown signs of being a spoiler team, making this game a possible trap game for Washington. With UCSD struggling for most of the season, I don’t think they will have enough.
Prediction: UW wins 6-1
WWU vs. SJSU
Western has completely turned their program around and put themselves in the top three in the league’s standings. With the addition to Andrew Fan, a former WHL player, they have generated tons of offense, while also being able to rely on Nolan Morena in the crease. San Jose State has had a below average season and are running into a hungry buzzsaw. A troublesome season in all facets will prove to be no match for Western.
Prediction: WWU wins 7-2
WSU vs. USC
This is possibly the most even game you can get in the playoffs. Both these teams have dominated the other in their matchups this season. USC had a shortened bench for both contests, so it makes for an interesting change coming into the postseason. WSU is coming off a week of rest followed by a weekend of poor play against UCSD. This game will come down to depth and if WSU’s young guns show up to support the veterans, they should be able to edge USC.
WSU wins 6-4
Cal vs. EWU
Eastern has struggled more than any season in recent memory. Falling to a 3-10-1 record in Pac-8 play has them matched up with the No. 1 seed in the league in Cal, who registered that spot for the second straight season. Eastern relies on a few top guys to get on the board, while UC-Berkely has quite a bit of depth. The Golden Bears are an extremely balanced team and should run away with this one early on the big stage.
Cal wins 9-0
