While the Brantford Bulldogs did well to advance past the first round for the second straight season, the second round was where they stumbled in last year's OHL playoffs. They'll be looking to firmly establish themselves as championship contenders when they take on the North Bay Battalion in the second round of these Eastern Conference playoffs.
This second-round tie will act as a rematch of last year's first-round matchup between the two teams, which saw Brantford win the series in five games. The Bulldogs took the first three games of the series, while the Battalion took Game 4 in overtime before dropping Game 5 by a score of 5-1.
Despite the statistical disadvantage, North Bay can make this series close
When I previewed the Brantford vs Sudbury series, I said that the Wolves would need to try and force Brantford to play an even-strength style of game. Turns out, Sudbury did just that and to great effect, exposing several of the Bulldogs' weaknesses on five-on-five.
During the four regular-season matchups between the Battalion and the Bulldogs, North Bay only found themselves on the penalty kill 10 times. At the same time, North Bay was able to get on the power play 15 times. That said, Brantford was able to convert five of their power-play opportunities, while North Bay could only score twice in that same situation.
While the power play might not be North Bay's greatest strength - they converted just three of their 14 power play opportunities in their first round series against Peterborough - simply getting Brantford away from their game plan and putting pressure on them will work to North Bay's advantage. Even if the Battalion don't capitalize on any ensuing penaltys, a delayed call could allow for them to play keep away and use up some of the clock. Sure, each period is 20 minutes long and there is a such thing as a short-handed goal, but getting a delayed call or two could mean a chance for the Battalion to take more chances away for the Bulldogs.
Final prediction: Bulldogs in seven
In all, North Bay played pretty well against the Bulldogs during their season series, beating them twice in overtime while losing just once by more than one goal.
I am hesitant to predict an upset, but I think there is a very good chance that North Bay pulls one off. At the very least, the Battalion will push this series to the distance.