Hockey: State tourney preview

No. 14 Doherty vs. No. 3 Air Academy

When: 5 p.m. Friday

Where: Sertich Ice Center

Ice chips: Braden Johnson’s third-period goals gave the Spartans (10-6-3) a 2-1 victory in the teams' regular-season meeting. The Kadets (11-5-3) have to shut down Johnson -- who ranks fourth in the state in points (26 goals, 16 assists) -- if they want to advance. Air Academy, one of four teams to finish tied atop the Peak Conference, needs to take advantage when its talented power-play unit gets opportunities.

He said it: “I don’t think we’re fodder for the top seed this year. But familiarity has its own issues. They know us and they know Braden Johnson and what we do.” -- Doherty coach Erik Austin

No. 10 Cheyenne Mountain vs. No. 7 Monarch

When: 5:15 p.m. Friday

Where: Apex Center, Arvada

Ice chips: The Indians (10-7-2) enter the postseason playing their best hockey. A semifinalist last season, Cheyenne Mountain hasn't lost since Jan. 23 and denied Steamboat Springs an outright Peak Conference title last Saturday by beating the Sailors 3-1. Kevin Davis (12 goals) and Jack Benecke (13 assists) lead the Indians with 20 points. Monarch (13-6-0) is led by Dallas Lehman’s 26 points (11 goals).

He said it: “We’re definitely peaking. This is the key time to be doing it. We’re playing with a lot of energy and forechecking well, and the kids are confident. ... All things are coming together.” -- Cheyenne Mountain coach Mike Provenzano

No. 9 Aspen vs. No. 8 Rampart

When: 8 p.m. Friday

Where: Family Sports Center Ice Arena, Centennial

Ice chips: The Rams (12-5-2) have set a school record in winning percentage and look to build on that. Rampart hopes to reach the second round for the second time in program history by beating the Skiers (10-6-3). The Rams likely will be without special teams leader Daniel Mitchell and defenseman Scotty Millen. Two-time defending champion Regis is the probable second-round foe for the winner of this game.

He said it: “If we play everything solid, basic, strong, smart, I don’t know if anyone could beat us. Our game plan is to shut them down. We want to walk out of the first period with no goals (allowed).” -- Rampart coach Josh McIntosh

No. 11 Chatfield vs. No. 6 Lewis-Palmer

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Where: Sertich Ice Center

Ice chips: The Rangers (13-3-3) have won their past seven games, including back-to-back shutouts to close the regular season. Last year’s state runner-up benefits from the late surge by drawing a .500 Chatfield (9-9-1) squad. Four players have scored more than 20 points for Lewis-Palmer, led by Kyle Lachner’s 27 (16 goals). The Rangers are 10-for-24 (42 percent) on the power play in their past six games. Trevor Knoll leads Chatfield with 22 points (12 goals).

He said it: “These are the most interesting set of playoffs since I’ve been around. Anybody can win it. Eight teams can win it.” -- Lewis-Palmer coach Steve Fillo, who's in his sixth year of Colorado High School hockey