CIHL PLAYOFFS
Quarter-final 1
Hsinchu Raptors 11,
Sababa Bears 5
After being down 4-1 on inspiring goals by Bears’ Josh Smith, the Raptors rallied on Saturday, carrying the game with an offensive juggernaut. Diverse goal production left the Bears reeling.
Quarter-final 2
Taipei Wolves 3,
Tainan Dragons 2
In the weekend’s only upset, Wolves goalie Andrew Tingley on Saturday held his squad in against a persistent Dragons team that was able to draw within one with a minute remaining in the game.
Quarter-final 3
Taichung Lions 3, Taipei Tigers 2
A defensive battle on Sunday was decided in the final seconds as Dave Campbell put the Lions ahead with a determined, and controversial, game-winning goal, the second time in as many years that the Lions have scored in the dying seconds to advance.
SEMI-FINAL MATCH-UPS
Semi-final 1 — Game 1
(April 24, 9:15pm)
Taipei Rhinos v Taipei Wolves
For their effort in upsetting the Dragons, the Wolves earn the privilege of trying to slash the regular-season champs’ lead with the help of league-leading scorer Ryan Lang, a former Wolves player. The strength of the Wolves goaltending against the Rhinos’ speedy attack will play a huge role in determining the outcome of this best-of-three series. Games 2 and 3 of both series are to be played on Saturday and Sunday of the same weekend.
Semi-final 2 — Game 2
(April 24, 10:45pm)
Hsinchu Raptors v Taichung Lions
In a battle between the second and fourth seeds, the Lions will be looking to upset a deadly Raptors squad that kills with size and speed. In order to advance, the Raptors will have to twice defeat a Lions defense and goalie that can easily shut down even the most determined snipers.
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