Detailed comparisons for each first round match-up
With the conclusion of the regular season on Sunday, the match-ups for the four best-of-seven quarter-final series are now set.

Here are links to detailed comparisons for each of the four quarter-final series:

(1) Tecumseh Chiefs vs. (8) Chatham Maroons
This is a re-match of a 2007 quarter-final series in which the Maroons upset the Chiefs in a four-game sweep. The Chiefs are looking for their first playoff series since eliminating the Leamington Flyers in the seventh and deciding game of the 2000 quarter-final series. They may have history on their side as the first-place team has not lost a first round series since 1987 when the fourth-place St. Thomas Stars defeated the first-place St. Marys Lincolns on their way to a playoff championship.

(2) St. Marys Lincolns vs. (7) St. Thomas Stars
This is another rematch of a 2007 quarter-final. Last year, the Lincolns knocked off the Stars in six games. This is the seventh time since 1979 that these two teams have met in the playoffs, with the Stars holding a 4-2 advantage in series wins.

(3) London Nationals vs. (6) Leamington Flyers
The Nationals and Flyers meet in the post-season for only the second time since 1979. London eliminated the Flyers in six games in a 2004 quarter-final in the only other playoff meeting. This season, the Nationals won five of six meetings against the Flyers, outscoring them 37-20 in the six games.

(4) Strathroy Rockets vs. (5) Sarnia Blast
This is the most intriguing of the four first round series, not just because it is the closest match-up standings wise. This is a re-match of last year's epic seven-game championship series decided by Jeremy Klaver's title-clinching goal with 32 seconds remaining in the third period of Strathroy's thrilling 4-3 victory in the seventh and deciding game.