Why Dubuque will win - If nothing else, the Saints are consistent. Their 39-19-1-2 record put them just one point out of first place in the Eastern Conference, and more significantly for this series, one point ahead of Muskegon. Home ice could be a big factor.

At first glance, statistically, it’s not clear why the Saints are as good as they are. They are near the middle of the pack in goals scored; goals against, power play, and penalty kill. To top it off, they are not a big team.

But it works. It’s a team and a system without any weaknesses - there’s no way to shut down one line or one entry or one anything - there’s Saints are very adaptable.

Dubuque posted a 2-1-1 head-to-head record against Muskegon this season.

Why Muskegon will win - A solid defensive team, the Lumberjacks allowed the third fewest goals of any team in the regular season. They looked very impressive in their second round sweep of first place Youngstown, and showed they can match anyone’s physicality in the process.

Much like the Saints, the Jacks don’t overwhelm you in any one aspect of the game, they just do everything well. They play a physical game, and it shows in their penalty minute total, the second highest in the USHL.

And never count them out. Muskegon trailed entering the third period 17 times and emerged with a win or a regulation tie 7 times - one of the best come from behind records in the league.

Prediction: Expect a long series. Flip a coin, but Muskegon’s edge on size and physicality should come in handy in a playoff series. Muskegon in five.