Why Sioux Falls will win - with 83 points, they had the second highest point total in the league. They’re a team that’s solid in all areas - they may not overwhelm the opponents in one particular category, but at the end of the night, they usually end up with the win.

The Herd’s positioning is very solid, and they don’t many mistakes. Between the solid style of play and the NHL-caliber Denny Sanford Premier Center, watching a Stampede home game can feel somewhat like an NHL game at times. That feel can provide a very good home ice advantage.

Why Waterloo will win: There are teams you just look at and say “there’s something unique there, in a very good way.” That describes this year’s Black Hawks.

They don’t have any top 20 scorers. They don’t stand out in any one category. Their strength is intangibles, which doesn’t show on the stats.

Waterloo has shown grit and perseverance all season, and they play a heavy, physical game that is perfectly suited for the playoffs.

While injuries have kept the starting goalie a bit of a mystery, they’re in good shape no matter which of the three start.

Waterloo went 4-0-0 against Sioux Falls, including a 5-4 overtime win at the Denny in their last matchup. The Hawks trailed 4-0 early in the second before scoring five unanswered goals in a tremendously entertaining contest.

Prediction: Sometimes, you see something in a team and you say “wow, that’s special.” Waterloo has that it factor. Black Hawks in five