The time has come. On the eve of the MJHL playoffs, it's time to look into each series.

(8) Neepawa Natives @ (1) Steinbach Pistons

Season Series: 5-1 Steinbach

The Pistons have had a playoff spot locked up for a while and officially clinched first place back on February the 20th. The Natives had to wait till the very last day of the regular season to punch their ticket to the dance.

Steinbach has been up and down since clinching the top spot in the league but are coming off two impressive victories in a row. Neepawa is arguably the hottest team right now as they've had to play "playoff type games" for over a month. 

There should be offensive fireworks in this series as both teams pack formidable goal scoring punch. Steinbach's Mack Graham (79 pts) and Bradley Schoonbaert (72 pts) finished 3rd and 4th respectively in league scoring, while the Natives have the top goal scorer in Justin Metcalf (38) and premier setup man Aston Anderson. Depth scoring leans more towards the Pistons as well, with several players able to chip in offensively and can drive teams crazy with a hard working fore check. Neepawa will need to pick their spots and capitalize on turnovers in the neutral or defensive zone, using quick passes and their speed. 

On the blue line, the advantage belongs to the Pistons. Led by Ryan Carlson and Tyler Anderson, the defenders are key to many offensive rushes for Steinbach. Staying aggressive while not sacrificing defensive positioning will be the trick for Steinbach. The Natives do have weapons to deploy on the back end as well, most notably Griffin Chwaliboga. The rugged defender will see the bulk of work against the top line of Steinbach. Neepawa will need to make sure they clear pucks out and don't get hemmed in by the cycle game of the Pistons.

Steinbach also holds the advantage between the pipes. The MJHL's Top Goalie Roman Bengert has been a rock all season long. While the Pistons have put up some dizzying offensive numbers, you can always track it back to a Bengert save that kept the game tied or at least close, before the goals would pile up for the Pistons. Neepawa will counter with a combination of Tyler Gutenberg and Evan Robert. At a glance, both goalies appear to give up a lot of goals, but once you look deeper, no other tandem see's as much rubber as Gutenberg and Robert. Their task will be holding the fort till the offence can get their chance.

Under the radar player to watch:

Pistons - Danny Pion

Natives - Nolan Richards 

(7) Virden Oil Capitals @ (2) Winkler Flyers

Season Series: 3-3 tie

The Winkler Flyers come into this series with a bit more confidence getting a couple players back from injury but will still be without leading scorer Scott Gall at least to start the opening round. The Oil Caps are on a high after defeating Winkler in their most recent meeting last Friday.

On the offensive side, both teams quite evenly matched as they don't rely on one line for the bulk of their scoring. Both teams can control on the cycle with the physical edge going more towards the Oil Capitals. Virden will need to continue their strong work on the power play while the Flyers will look for chances off the rush.

Winkler's advantage is on the blue line. Several defenders can make life difficult for Virden using their speed through the neutral zone and their aggressiveness in the offensive zone often creates opportunities for their forwards. The Oil Capitals will need to hunker down in their zone and make sure pucks clear the zone. Oil Capitals defenders will need to keep things simple and not over pass the puck in their own end. 

In goal, Winkler's Troy Martyniuk and Virden's Riley McVeigh received the bulk of the work down the stretch. The experience factor is on Martyniuk's side but, the rookie McVeigh is playing with a lot of confidence. Like at any time, whichever goalie can control rebounds and get into a groove, can set their team apart. 

Under the radar player to watch

Winker - Braden Billany

Virden - Kyle Salaway

(6) Winnipeg Blues @ (3) OCN Blizzard

Season Series: 4-2 Blizzard

For the most part, the games these two teams played were decided by a single goal. Expect a similar, hard checking affair in their opening round match up.

Offensively, the Blizzard pack a lot of speed and a tough cycle game. For Winnipeg, they answer with quickness and the ability to capitalize on a small opening. Both teams have players that can find the back of the net but will need to toe the line and stay out of the penalty box. 

Defensively, the Blizzard have the MVP and Outstanding Defenseman in Brady Keeper and every time he's on the ice, there is the potential for something special to happen. Also, he's on the ice a lot. The Blizzard will need to be ready at all times as Keeper makes things happen quickly and often without warning. Winnipeg's defenders are tough and love to step up into plays. They will need to be moving and have a crisp first pass out of the zone to spring the offence.

Goaltending at times has been an issue for both clubs. Brett Epp has played well since inheriting starter in OCN but at times can over play pucks and allow big rebounds. The combo of Adam Derochie and Jacob Gnidziejko have not fared much better. Both teams have really become strong at now allowing second chance opportunities and will need to clear space for their respective goalies to see and control any loose pucks in the crease.

Under the radar players to watch:

Blizzard - Brady Valiquette

Blues - Matt LeBlanc

(5) Portage Terriers @ (4) Selkirk Steelers

Season Series: 3-3 tie

This series has all the markings of a high scoring, back and forth battle that will keep fans on the edge of their seats and coaches on the edge of a cliff.

The offences are full throttle and make life difficult once they get into the zone. Both teams have strong depth but it's Portage that has the advantage, especially if given the power play. Selkirk is very tough to play at home and Portage players have found ways to trip themselves up during games. Both teams will need to walk the line but expect a physical series, especially in the corners.

Defensively, Selkirk has the size and the meanness in front of the net to clear shot lanes for their goalie. While Portage, also not afraid to throw their weight around, will need to be on their tip toes, challenging the Selkirk forwards in the slot. 

In goal, Hayden Dola has had a coming out party, establishing himself as a top flight goalie in the MJHL, while the Terriers have some questions between the pipes. The Terriers will look for Brock Aiken or Kurtis Chapman to get on a streak and carry them through. 

Under the radar players to watch

Selkirk - Ryan Pruden

Portage - Ryan Sokoloski