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COMING IN:
Neither team is clicking on all cylinders. The Hitmen won just two of their last eight regular-season tilts, while Lethbridge dropped its final eight games to close out the schedule.
HEAD-TO-HEAD:
Calgary, which eliminated the 'Canes in five games in last spring's first-round clash, took five of the six meetings this season. But two of the victories, the first (Oct. 8) and last (March 17), came via the shootout. The Hitmen outscored Lethbridge 18-11 during the season series.
MAJOR PLAYERS:
Hitmen -- As always, Calgary's fortunes hang on the play of all-star G Justin Pogge. RW Freddie Pettersson was the most prolific scorer against the 'Canes (four goals and seven points in six games). Calgary will need more production from LW Brodie Dupont and C Ryan White, who tied for the team lead in scoring with 53 points apiece.
Hurricanes -- Former UFA Bison Zach Boychuk, who led all WHL 16-year-olds with 50 points, has been a thorn in the Hitmen's sides all season, averaging a point a game (2-4-6) to lead Lethbridge in the head-to-head series. C Colton Yellow Horn (75 points) is the most gifted offensive player in the series. Seventeen-year-old G Justin Leclerc (10-12-6) makes his playoff debut.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
Powerplay -- Calgary 15.5% (62-399, T13th); Lethbridge 15.0% (65-433, 15th).
Penalty killing -- Calgary 86.3% (2nd); Lethbridge 82.1% (15th).
INJURIES:
Hitmen -- LW Kris Deines (thumb, indefinite), D Dylan Yeo (wrist, 7 weeks).
Hurricanes -- LW Mike Wuchterl (concussion, indefinite).
NOTABLES: Calgary lost once in regulation time in its final 10 games of the season ... The 'Canes powerplay scored in five of six games against Calgary this season (18.6%) while the Hitmen were 4-for-31 (12.9%) ... The Hitmen finished the regular season with 101 points, which is 38 points better than Lethbridge.
