Heal points, wins and losses, strength of schedule.

They all play a role in predicting who will succeed through the high school boys’ hockey playoffs that begin next week.

But really, it comes down to who can stop the puck while depositing a few goals themselves.

With that in mind, it’s no surprise who is considered the favorite in Class A.

Biddeford.

But it will hardly be the Tigers in a runaway.

Looking for a “1B” choice? Lewiston.

And surely St. Dominic is a legitimate contender.

A darkhorse pick? Thornton Academy.

A real darkhorse? Falmouth.

Let’s take a look. 

BIDDEFORD (15-0-3) has a dominating top line, led by Brady Fleurent (56 points) and Bryan Dallaire (38), and a strong defensive group led by Eric Grover and Nick Gagne.

Also, a supposed weakness of the Tigers has turned into a strength. Sophomore goalie Jon Fields, a junior varsity player last season, has improved steadily, sporting a 1.55 goals-against average and 93 save percentage.

“He’s grown into the part of playing as a solid goaltender,” Grover said. “He plays very good in the big games — Lewiston, (Thornton), St. Dom’s.

“He wasn’t expected to be one of the top goalies in the state this year. We didn’t know. He just comes up big.”

The only unbeaten Class A team, Biddeford is 1-0-1 in each series against Lewiston, St. Dominic and Falmouth. 

LEWISTON (15-1-2) tied Biddeford early in the year, and lost a 2-0 decision last week. But the Blue Devils were without their top line because of injury and illness. Sam Cloutier (45 points) and Colt Steele (44) are back, but Ben Wigant is questionable.

The Blue Devils are in every game because of All-State goalie Cam Poussard (0.73 goals-against average, 96 save percentage).

Only three teams scored more than one goal against Lewiston — Biddeford, St. Dom’s and Thornton. The Trojans are the only opponent to score three goals, in a 6-3 loss. 

ST. DOM’S (14-4-2) will be the No. 2 seed in the East. The Saints, who split their series with Thornton and have a loss to Biddeford, lost both of their games to Lewiston.

But St. Dom’s and the Blue Devils are an emotional rivalry. Anything can happen in the playoffs, like last year when the fourth-seeded Saints upset top-seeded Lewiston, 2-0.

The Saints again feature All-State forward Alex Parker (36 points). 

THORNTON ACADEMY (13-5) finished with five straight wins, the last three by shutout over South Portland, Falmouth and St. Dom’s.

The Trojans can be explosive, led by C.J. Maksut (31 points), and likely will face nemesis Biddeford in the West final. 

FALMOUTH (9-6-3) has struggled at times, but the Yachtsmen have demonstrated an ability to play with the best teams, recording ties against Biddeford and Lewiston. 

THE CLASS B playoffs don’t begin in earnest until next weekend’s regional semifinals. There is one East quarterfinal game Monday, but the top three East seeds have byes, and only four West teams reach the postseason.

It’s easy to rank the Class B teams.

Brewer (17-0-1) is the clear favorite to defend its championship, although the Witches haven’t played any of the strong Western B teams. The Witches did tie Falmouth early in the year.

Houlton (14-3) is seeded second in the East and lost in overtime to Brewer last month. But the Witches routed Houlton 7-1 on Feb. 12.

Greely (14-3-1) is the main contender out of the West. The Rangers are 13-1 against Class B teams, the lone loss to Cape Elizabeth. Goalie Matt Labbe (1.53 goals-against, 93 save percentage) gives Greely an edge.

The Rangers will play Yarmouth (10-8) in the first round, a team Greely has defeated twice.

While Cape Elizabeth (13-5) had the win over Greely, the Capers have not been able to beat York (13-5) this year. Those two teams will meet in the other West semifinal. 

THE CLASS A quarterfinals are tentatively scheduled for next Tuesday. The West pairings feature South Portland at Biddeford, Scarborough at Thornton Academy, Cheverus at Marshwood/Traip Academy and Noble at Falmouth.

The East pairings have Brunswick at St. Dominic, Bangor at Gray-New Gloucester/Poland, and Maranacook/Hall-Dale/Winthrop at Waterville. Lewiston will get a bye to the semifinals. 

Staff Writer Kevin Thomas can be reached at 791-6411 or at:

kthomas@pressherald.com

 

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