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February 17, 2026

South Division Playoff Preview #3 Niagara vs. #6 Toronto

Head-to-head history fuels opening-round clash.

The South Division’s #3 vs. #6 matchup opens tonight at 9:00 PM as the Niagara Predators (21-19-2, 44 PTS) host the Toronto Flyers (12-26-4, 28 PTS).

While Niagara secured the higher seed, Toronto won the season series 4-2, with each team earning an overtime victory. The Flyers have already shown they match up well against the Predators — and that makes this best-of-three anything but predictable.

Season Snapshot

Niagara Predators

  • 21-19-2 record

  • 143 GF | 154 GA

  • Finished third in the South

Toronto Flyers

  • 12-26-4 record

  • 111 GF | 199 GA

  • Finished sixth

Niagara was more consistent over 42 games. Toronto, however, has played some of its best hockey against this specific opponent.

Offensive Matchup

Niagara’s offense runs through its core forwards and puck-moving back end.

  • Shane Kaplan (49 PTS) – The primary playmaker and offensive driver.

  • Alex Ness (42 PTS) – Reliable scorer in all situations.

  • Konstantin Parkhomchuk (29 PTS) – Strong secondary production.

  • Nick Savoie (46 PTS) – A defenseman who quarterbacks the power play and contributes heavily from the blue line.

With Isaiah More departing at the winter break, Niagara’s forward depth tightened, putting more emphasis on their established core.

Toronto’s attack is top-heavy but capable.

  • Henry Russell (20G, 37 PTS)

  • Anthony Romagnuolo (32 PTS)

  • Ryan Baxter (22G)

  • Support scoring from Jordan Ciriello and Giovanni Arangio.

If the Flyers are going to pull the upset, their top line must produce early and often.

In Goal

For Niagara, Nicolas Guy has been the clear number one this season.

  • 11-11 record

  • .916 SV%

  • 3.52 GAA

Sebastián Vondra has also delivered strong numbers in limited action, giving Niagara flexibility if needed.

For Toronto, the crease conversation is interesting.

  • Ivan Petrov has delivered multiple huge performances this season and has shown the ability to steal games.

  • However, the Flyers tend to lean on Lucas DiRisio and his experience in high-volume situations.

Whichever goaltender finds rhythm first could swing this series.

Keys to the Series

1. Regular Season Confidence
Toronto won four of six meetings. That matters mentally.

2. Blue Line Impact
Savoie’s ability to generate offense from the back end is critical for Niagara.

3. Goaltending Edge
If Toronto gets a standout performance in net, pressure shifts quickly.

Schedule

  • Game 1: Tonight – 9:00 PM in Niagara

  • Game 2: Saturday – 7:45 PM in Toronto

  • Game 3 (if necessary): Sunday – 9:00 PM in Niagara

Niagara holds home-ice advantage.
Toronto holds the head-to-head edge.

That contrast sets up one of the most compelling first-round battles in the South Division.