Halifax and Moncton set to square off in Q Playoffs

Halifax versus Moncton.

A decades-long rivalry is renewed as the Mooseheads face the Wildcats in round two of the QMJHL playoffs.

Halifax has home-ice advantage, and finished 33 points ahead of them in the standings.

Local sports commentator Mavs Gillis says the cities should be buzzing.

“A lot of momentum for Halifax right now, after that World Junior performance for Team Canada, it’s ballooned especially with the Mooseheads being so good this year,” said Gillis.

The Wildcats are coming off a seven-game victory in the first round over Baie-Comeau, which saw five games decided in overtime.

Gillis says attendance was a bit below expectations in Moncton, but this series will be a box office draw.

“Defensively, Moncton will have to shutdown the top six forwards of Halifax. They are a good defensive club, but that’s a big task. I’d say Halifax is coming away in this series in five or six games.”

The Moose eliminated Cape Breton in four straight in the first round.

Games 1 and 2 go in Halifax Friday and Saturday night, the series will shift to Avenir Centre next Wednesday and Thursday.