A few days belated, but after a dramatic finish to the western conference's second round, we're ready to make our conference final picks.

The first round of WHL playoffs brought us no major surprises, and only one series lasting as many as six games. Round two kicks off tonight and our panel is back to weigh in with their predictions. Let’s jump right into the picks.

The WHL playoffs are upon us, and just because the Hurricanes aren’t there doesn’t mean we can’t have some fun with it. We’ve assembled a panel to join us in picking the winners of the 2012 WHL playoffs.

“Predictions may be the dumbest thing ever - I mean, if the media was any good at forecasting outcomes, we'd all be living in mansions in Vegas -- but they go with the territory.” (Bob McKenzie, TSN Hockey Insider)

With that in mind, let’s see if any of us are any good at forecasting outcomes.

Here are your prognosticators for this year:

• The CanesCast team: Josh Schroeder, Mark Huxley, and Morgan Martin
• Lethbridge Hurricanes Communications and PR Manager Esther Madziya
• 94.1 CJOC Hurricanes play-by-play voice Pat Siedlecki
• 94.1 CJOC Hurricanes colour commentator Fred Jack
• CTV Reporter Darrell Romuld

Since winning their last three encounters with the Red Deer Rebels, the Lethbridge Hurricanes have gone nearly four months without playing their divisional opponent. The Hurricanes looked to put one more in the win column against the injury depleted Rebels.

On the Hurricane side of the line-up card, Brady Ramsay and Albin Blomqvist remain sidelined with injuries while Reid Duke and Tanner Kovacs sit this one out as well. Liam Liston gets the call in goal for the Hurricanes.

What happened

With the Canes finishing their home fixtures for the season with a couple of losses, including one to the Hitmen, they traveled to Calgary looking for revenge and close out their season series against the Hitmen on an even keel after trailing 3-2 before tonight's game.

Playing for their places on the roster next season and with Captain Brody Sutter looking to get to the 30 goal mark for the season before he starts his career in the NHL, the Canes had everything to play for. Prior to the game Coach Rich Preston had been telling them that they have to go into every game with the commitment, effort and hard work to win it and not be thinking about the golf course with 3 games left in the season.

And that is exactly what they did......

What happened

The Canes got off to a flying start as Jaimen Yakubowski, fired one in from the boards to give the canes the early lead, Juraj Bezuch with the assist.

Tonights game is the final Hurricanes home game for the 2011 - 2012 season. The night started with the 2012 Hurricanes Awards Ceremony (see the list of winners here) and lead up to the final home games as Hurricanes for both Damien Ketlo and Brody Sutter. Tonight the Tigers rolled into town and the Hurricanes looked to go out with a strong final showing for the locals.

What happened

The first period got off to a rough start as the Tigers scored early and racked up a 2 goal lead midway through. Inspite of some decent chances the Canes weren't able to put themselves on the scoreboard.

Another hockey season is nearing an end, and that means it’s time to hand out some hardware. The Hurricane awards celebrate the dedication, commitment and achievements of the Lethbridge Hurricanes throughout the season.

Here are your award winners for the 2011-2012 season:

• Player’s Bench Community Relations Award - Brody Sutter
• Hockey Hounds Scholastic Player of the Year Award - Adam Henry
• 1st Choice Savings Most Sportsmanlike Award - Brody Sutter
• 94.1 CJOC Three Stars Award - Damien Ketlo
• Joan Kobal Memorial Award - Brady Ramsay
• Ramada Inn Top Scorer Award - Brody Sutter
• Evergreen Golf Centre Top Defenceman Award - Dan Johnston

After a strong and disciplined performance to beat the Moose Jaw Warriors in their last game at the Enmax, the Hurricanes showed that they are not lying down and dreaming of the golf course just yet.

The Hitmen make the short journey down the highway for the final time this season; the teams have split the four games played so far, with each team winning both of their home games to hold the series at 2-2.

Reid Duke sheds the full cage tonight, now sporting a visor and looking like a regular WHLer.

What happened

Tonight’s game sees a rematch with the Warriors who caused the Canes a great deal of trouble on Saturday Night. Tonight is redemtion night for the Canes after a couple poor showings on the weekend which saw some unlucky breaks early in the game break their backs. Also of note for Hurricane fans: this will be the final WHL appearance for former Hurricane Cam Braes at the Enmax Centre. Thanks to the continued injury troubles up front, the Hurricanes have called up Reid Duke for his eighth game as an affiliate this season.

What happened