04-04-2025
The Hockey News Predicts The 2025 WHL Playoffs
After a thrilling 2024-25 regular season, the 2025 WHL Playoffs are finally here. All 16 teams will be in action on Friday as the race for the Ed Chynoweth Cup begins. In honor of the start of the playoffs, here are the predictions from THN's WHL team.
Round 1:
Medicine Hat Tigers over Swift Current Broncos in 4Edmonton Oil Kings over Prince Albert Raiders in 7Calgary Hitmen over Saskatoon Blades in 5Lethbridge Hurricanes over Brandon Wheat Kings in 7Everett Silvertips over Seattle Thunderbirds in 6Victoria Royals over Tri-City Americans in 6Spokane Chiefs over Vancouver Giants in 5Prince George Cougars over Portland Winterhawks in 5
Round 2:
Medicine Hat Tigers over Edmonton Oil Kings in 6Calgary Hitmen over Lethbridge Hurricanes in 6Everett Silvertips over Victoria Royals in 5Spokane Chiefs over Pince George Cougars in 7
Conference Championships:
Medicine Hat Tigers over Calgary Hitmen in 7Everett Silvertips over Spokane Chiefs in 6
There's no other way this could go. They are two of the most dominant teams in recent memory, both with incredibly deep lineups and an ability to score at any time. In goal, Jesse Sanche (Everett) and Harrison Meneghin (Medicine Hat) are very impressive netminders and mentally strong at that. With this being the Medicine Hat Tigers' first shot at a title since the 2006-07 season, the team will be hungry- and they've got the same coach from that season. The Everett Silvertips have more recent playoff experience, making the finals in 2018 and a second-round appearance in 2024, so they do have a minor edge.
WHL Final:
Medicine Hat Tigers over Everett Silvertips in 7
At the end of it all, the X-factor of this series will be the youngster: Gavin McKenna. McKenna has put up video game numbers in his second full season in the WHL, and while the playoffs present a different beast, the Whitehorse product has shown an ability to take any game over he wants. This series should go no less than seven games, and while it may seem like the obvious pick for a final two, it just makes sense.
Round 1:
Medicine Hat Tigers over Swift Current Broncos in 5Prince Albert Raiders over Edmonton Oil Kings in 5Calgary Hitmen over Saskatoon Blades in 5Lethbridge Hurricanes over Brandon Wheat Kings in 6Everett Silvertips over Seattle Thunderbirds in 5Victoria Royals over Tri-City Americans in 4Spokane Chiefs over Vancouver Giants in 5Portland Winterhawks over Prince George Cougars in 6
Round 2:
Medicine Hat Tigers over Prince Albert Raiders in 6Calgary Hitmen over Lethbridge Hurricanes in 6Everett Silvertips over Portland Winterhawks in 5Spokane Chiefs over Victoria Royals in 7
Conference Finals:
Medicine Hat Tigers over Calgary Hitmen in 7Spokane Chiefs over Everett Silvertips in 6
The Medicine Hat Tigers and Spokane Chiefs are built for runs to the Conference Finals. Spokane has assembled one of the most dominant lines in the CHL, while Medicine Hat has one of the most dynamic players ever to play in the WHL. While the Conference Finals will be close, it feels like dystany that the Tigers and Chiefs will battle for the Ed Chynoweth Cup.
WHL Final:
Spokane Chiefs over Medicine Hat Tigers in 7
As for who will be off to Rimouski to battle for the Memorial Cup, that would be Spokane. Outside of the Andrew Cristall, Berkly Catton, and Shea Van Olm line, the Chiefs have assembled a very deep team that features Brayden Crampton, Mathis Preston, Saige Weinstein, Rasmus Ekström and Chase Harrington, to name a few. While Medicine Hat has tons of talent, including Gavin McKenna, Oasiz Wiesblatt, and Tanner Molendyk, 2025 feels like the year Spokane returns to the Memorial Cup.
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2025 WHL Playoffs Preview: 4) Lethbridge Hurricanes Versus 5) Brandon Wheat Kings
2025 WHL Playoffs Preview: 4) Prince George Cougars Versus 5) Portland Winterhawks
2025 WHL Playoffs Preview: 3) Calgary Hitmen Versus 6) Saskatoon Blades
2025 WHL Playoffs Preview: 3) Spokane Chiefs Versus 6) Vancouver Giants
