Teams split season series, Burrell won 7-2 Dec. 3, Connellsville won 6-1 Feb. 12.
Burrell Bucs: Defeated Trinity 10-2 at Pittsburgh Ice Arena on Monday.
Why I like Burrell: Payback. The high-scoring Bucs tasted blood at the hands of the Falcons for the only time of the season in the finale, and both teams had their full rosters available.
Connellsville Falcons: Defeated Carrick 7-2 at Ice Mine on Tuesday.
Why I like Connellsville: The Falcons are a speedy bunch, having home-ice be of the olympic-sized variety. If they can create separation, they can turn the tables on the Bucs and create scoring opportunities.
Teams split season series, Ringgold won 5-4 in overtime on Nov. 26 at Hess Ice Rink, Neshannock won 4-1 on Feb. 4 at Rostraver Ice Garden
Neshannock: Defeated Morgantown 8-4 on Monday at Hess Ice Rink.
Why Neshannock will defeat Ringgold: The Lancers wrote their own script down the stretch, rising from the No. 4 seed to No. 2 in the final weeks of the season. A balanced, deep attack should give the Rams fits all night.
Ringgold: Defeated Central Valley 6-1 on Monday at Rostraver Ice Garden.
Why Ringgold will defeat Neshannock: The Rams were competitive in every game they played this season, and their four losses were by three or less goals. One of the toughest teams in the open division should give the Lancers a hard time throughout the contest.
