Peter FifootPUBLIC PLAYOFFS QUARTERFINALS
#9 Livingston @ #1 Randolph
The Rams passed their test in a big way with a 10-0 win over Millburn. Now they are treated with a plucky Livingston team that although a very good goal scoring team put on the defensive clinic against Summit. Defensively they can match up with Randolph, but I think the goal scoring is going to show again in a big way for the Rams.
Peter’s Pick-Randolph 6-2
#5 Ramapo @ #4 Ridgewood
Niko Smilovic comes off a 4 goal performance against West Morris and is leading a Raiders squad looking to return to the semifinals. They are on the road for the first time but their physicality will be likened to the Ice House in Hackensack against Ridgewood. Ridgewood is a very physical team and will be a problem for the forwards of Ramapo,but this Raiders team has the blinding speed that can stymie Ridgewood.
Peter’s Pick- Ramapo 6-5
#11 Montclair @ #3 Chatham
We have certainly learned a lot about this Mounties team and what they can accomplish with their defense and goaltending. Sam Korenbaum pitched a shutout against Glen Rock and was their superstar. Rosella will also be looked at. At the same time, Thomas White and Matt Nacinovich gave Chatham the shot in the arm they needed in the third period against Madison. This Chatham team is hitting their stride at the perfect time for them, and it will be enough to get Chatham back to the semi finals.
Peter’s Pick- Chatham 6-4
#7 Passaic County Technical Institute @ #2 Northern Highlands
What a sigh of relief you have to have if you are a PCTI Bulldogs fan. The Bulldogs won an absolute classic a couple of nights ago against Morristown. They had to kill a penalty in the final minute, and then in overtime, Mac Bernice stole the puck from the Morristown goaltender Thatcher Neville and rifled home the overtime winner. The Highlanders are coming off of a different euphoria, with an 11–0 victory over Roxbury. PCTI has talented forwards and what is likely the best Bulldogs hockey team ever assembled but that overwhelming offense that also can play physical from Northern Highlands, might be too much for PCTI.
Peter’s Pick- Northern Highlands 10-3
CO-OP QUARTERFINALS
#9 Wayne Hills Wayne Valley @ #1 Tenafly-Cresskill Tigers
The Wayne co-op has been getting their tests in brutal physical hockey. Wayne has filled those Scantron’s out correctly so far with some great physical performances, especially their 2–1 victory over Riverdale – Westwood. This game in Englewood will be more of the same against a Tenafly team that is hitting their stride with goals and with hits, I just don’t think Wayne will be able to deal with the technical blue liners of Tenafly.
Peter’s Pick-Tenafly-Cresskill 4-2
#13 Fairlawn – Dumont Bergenfield @ #5 West Milford – Pequannock – Pompton Lakes
No one, and I mean no one expected this Fairlawn team except of course, themselves, and that locker room has been buzzing with two big playoff wins. The first against the Kearney co-op, and the second being VGR. An old-fashioned style of banking the puck in, sending it through, and making hits. I do think that the Fairlawn Cinderella run comes to a close against West Milford team that also can hit and get great goals, scoring contributions, including 11 against Nutley. Matt Watt will be someone to look out for on this West Milford team, and I believe they will move on.
Peter’s Pick – West Milford – Pequannock – Pompton Lakes 7-1
#6 Morris Knolls Morris Hills Golden Eagles @ #3 Pascack Valley Pascack Hills
Austin and Zack Groves have led Pascack and they were really playing well against Park regional. They have a solid team, and they’re forwards have done what they’ve needed to do, but at the same time have not blown me out of the water. I do believe that this Pascack team can be beaten with a will to win that can also match them physically, I believe they have found that team being the Golden Eagles. Morris Knolls Hills had one of their tough victories against the Lakeland co-op on Tuesday, with Luke Dickerson leading the way, I believe the baseball player hits another home run, and the Eagles head to the semis.
Peter’s Pick- Morris Knolls Morris Hills 8-5
#7 West Essex-Caldwell Knights @ #2 KJS United
Luca Infusino has done a quality job of leading WEC and it is a huge accomplishment scoring 100 points in a career, he was very athletic and prolific in their playoff win against Ramsey – Indian Hills. But athleticism is not enough against the solid KJS defense, I don’t think there are any pucks getting past Gibbons in this game, and I believe the run of destiny for KJS continues.
Peter’s Pick- KJS United 4-0
Northern Highlands Defenseman Caden Rek looks on during the Highlanders 7-0 win over Roxbury.
