Jonathan Bernier will try to lead Lewiston to a second straight QMJHL crown (CP Images)
As the QMJHL playoffs get set to begin, it is tough to declare the odds-on favorite that will make travel plans to Kitchener for the Memorial Cup.
Just eight points separated the top five teams in the league this season, meaning an off-night may fast-track a contender straight into the off-season.
Here is a look at the QMJHL matchups for the opening round, the third and final Hockey.com Playoff Preview for the CHL post-season:
EASTERN DIVISION -OPENING ROUND
HALIFAX MOOSEHEADS (1) VS VICTORIAVILLE TIGRES (8)
Playing in opposite divisions, the Mooseheads finished 27 points ahead of the Tigres. Halifax was 6-4 down the stretch, not enough to have anyone cowering in fear, but shouldn't have a whole lot of trouble crossing over here. Victoriaville may get one, but even that may be a stretch. Halifax in five.
SAINT JOHN SEA DOGS (2) VS PEI ROCKET (7)
Saint John had as many points as the Eastern-leading Mooseheads but drew the #2 seed thanks to one less win. Shouldn't make a whole lot of difference here, though. Saint John in five.
ACADIE-BATHURST TITAN (3) VS ST. JOHN'S FOG DEVILS (6)
Acadie-Bathurst led the Eastern Division in goals for and finished 14 points ahead of the boys from The Rock. This is the St. John's swan song for the Fog Devils, and they may as well soak it all in. It will be over in a hurry. Acadie-Bathurst in 6.
CAPE BRETON SCREAMING EAGLES (4) VS LEWISTON MAINEIACS (5)
An interesting opening round matchup with just five points separating the two teams. Cape Breton was 7-3 down the stretch and gets the extra home game, but the Maineiacs have Jonathan Bernier in goal. We'll go with the defending champs. Lewiston in seven.
TELUS DIVISION - OPENING ROUND
ROUYN-NORANDA HUSKIES (1) VS VAL D'OR FOREURS (8)
Sure, anything can happen in the playoffs, but not here. The Huskies finished 34 points in front of the Foreurs and led the entire league in goals for. They should hardly break a sweat. Rouyn-Noranda in four.
BAIE-COMEAU DRAKKAR (2) VS RIMOUSKI OCEANIC (7)
On paper, another mismatch with the Oceanic 29 points behind Baie-Comeau in the regular season. But Rimouski was 19-9 since the New Year and will give the Drakkar more than they can handle. Baie-Comeau in seven.
GATINEAU OLYMPIQUES (3) VS SHAWINIGAN CATARACTES (6)
Gatineau it kicked into another gear down the stretch (6-2-2-0) while Shawinigan had a rough ride (3-6-0-1). Les Olympiques won the season series 5-1 and it will show here. Gatineau in five.
CHICOUTIMI SAGUENEENS (4) VS QUEBEC REMPARTS (5)
The Sagueneens closed with a 6-2-0-2 run to sneak up and steal the fourth seed, and home ice advantage, for the opening round. Only two points separated these two in the regular season, and it will be another battle. These teams do not like one another. Chicoutimi in seven.
GUT FEELING: With only eight points separating the top five teams in the league, it is pretty much a crapshoot who is coming to make it to Kitchener out of the Q but we'll go with the top-seeded Rouyn-Noranda Huskies to edge Saint John in the league final.