The South Division semifinals continue with what may be the tightest matchup on paper: the second-seeded Durham RoadRunners against the third-seeded Niagara Predators in a best-of-five showdown.

The regular-season series was tied 2-2, with each team winning once at home and once on the road. Durham held a slim scoring advantage, 14-10, across those four meetings — a narrow edge that reflects how close this matchup truly is.

Regular Season Series

• Series tied 2-2
• Goals: 14-10 Durham
• Split home and road wins

There was no territorial dominance here — just execution in key moments.

First Round Form

Durham

Durham advanced past the Bradford Bulls in the opening round, showing offensive depth and defensive control. Their ability to manage tempo and capitalize on power-play opportunities allowed them to dictate pace rather than chase it.

The RoadRunners didn’t need chaos to win — they stayed structured, rolled lines, and avoided extended defensive breakdowns. That discipline will matter even more against Niagara.

Niagara

Niagara swept Toronto in two games, including a dominant 5-0 shutout in Game 1 where they limited the Flyers to just 16 shots. Nicolas Guy was perfect that night.

In Game 2, Niagara controlled much of the pace again, winning 5-3 and generating balanced scoring across multiple lines. They looked confident, structured, and opportunistic.

Both teams enter this series in rhythm.

Award Recognition

Durham brings decorated talent:

• Waylon Morris – South Division Rookie of the Year (Winner)
• Dennis Sicard – Best Coach (1st Runner-Up)
• Jesse Aitken – Best Forward (2nd Runner-Up)

Niagara counters with elite defensive recognition:

• Nick Savoie – Best Defenseman (1st Runner-Up), Heart Award (2nd Runner-Up)
• Shane Kaplan – Best Defensive Forward (Winner)

This series features both high-end youth and defensive structure.

Offensive Production

Durham

Durham’s offense is layered rather than top-heavy. Their transition speed and puck support create sustained pressure rather than one-line bursts.

Waylon Morris continues to be a spark offensively, while Aitken remains a steady contributor. Depth scoring has been a quiet strength.

Niagara

Niagara’s attack showed early-round explosiveness.

• Isaac Locker – 3-point Game 1 vs Toronto
• Nicholas Nicoletti – Multi-point performances
• Danill Kuptsov & Mitya Monsieurs – Timely playoff contributions

They generate offense through quick-strike plays and special teams efficiency.

Goaltending Matchup

Durham

Durham relies on structure in front of their goaltending. They don’t allow extended high-danger sequences and protect the middle effectively.

Niagara

Nicolas Guy delivered a first-round shutout and was composed in Game 2. If this series remains tight, goaltending margins will become magnified.

Keys to the Series

Discipline
Niagara’s power play can punish mistakes. Durham must stay structured.

Tempo Control
Durham prefers controlled pace. Niagara thrives when momentum swings.

Road Opportunity
Game 1 in Niagara is pivotal in a best-of-five. Early pressure can flip quickly.

Series Schedule (Best of 5)

Game 1 – Feb 27 – 7:30 PM – Niagara-on-the-Lake
Game 2 – Feb 28 – 7:30 PM – Whitby
Game 3 – Mar 1 – 7:45 PM – Whitby
Game 4 – TBD – One game in each home arena
Game 5 – TBD – One game in each home arena

There is no heavy statistical favorite here.

A 2-2 regular-season split.
A 14-10 aggregate scoring edge.
Two confident teams coming off controlled first-round wins.

Expect tight margins, special-teams swings, and very little room for error.