BY PATRICK KING
sportsnet.ca

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. -- Losing the opener isn't the kiss of death, but it's close.

Although the round robin of the MasterCard Memorial Cup consists of three games for each team, none are more important than the first. Losing the tournament opener is such a slippery slope so few teams are able to overcome a bad start in the national championship.

Watch the entire MasterCard Memorial Cup tournament on Sportsnet, starting tonight with the Saint John Sea Dogs vs. Mississauga St. Michael's Majors at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.

Of the 39 winners since the MasterCard Memorial Cup switched to a tournament format in 1972, 29 won their first game. That means just 10 of 39 teams were able to win after starting with a loss, which may seem respectable, but half of those came when it was still a three-team tournament prior to 1983.

The 2009 Windsor Spitfires are the last championship-winning team to start the tournament with a loss. Of the last 18 winners, only two, those Spitfires and the 2006 Quebec Remparts, wound up coming out on top.

While the first game may not seem like a must-win, history would indicate a team's chances are decreased dramatically when they fall behind in this tournament.

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Can the Majors seize home-ice?

This is why the Mississauga St. Michael's Majors’ bid to host the tournament is so important. After losing in overtime of Game 7 of the Ontario Hockey League final at home to the Owen Sound Attack, the Majors desperately need to re-assert themselves as the dominant home team they had been through much of the season and playoffs.

Since their opponents, the Saint John Sea Dogs, are unfamiliar with their rink and won't likely have a huge following in the stands, the Majors enjoy a distinct advantage. Mississauga would be well-advised to start guns blazing and put the Sea Dogs in an early hole as the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League champions familiarize themselves with their surroundings. A slow start by Mississauga could severely hurt their chances.

Which style will win out?

Mississauga head coach Dave Cameron's reputation as a defensive guru is well known. Equally, the Sea Dogs' offensive exploits are no mystery. But while both teams are capable of playing and succeeding while playing different styles, the feeling out process in the early parts of this game could determine which style wins out.

The Majors are an opportunistic, transition team that capitalizes on mistakes. Mississauga is a skilled team, but their offensive power is not exactly on par with the high-flying Sea Dogs. Don't expect Cameron's bunch to trade chances with the supremely-skilled Sea Dogs. Saint John is a quick-strike team with the ability to score in bunches.

Both teams will be excused for a tentative start -- if that is the case -- considering they don't want to play to the other's strengths.

How effective will Zack Phillips be?

Saint John head coach Gerard Gallant gave his star forward a clean bill of health at Thursday's press conference. Whether it's an overstatement or a clever diversionary tactic, the product of Fredericton, N.B. is expected to play after missing Games 5 and 6 of the QMJHL final against Gatineau.

While Phillips is not a pretty skater, his offensive awareness and instincts make him a threat on every rush. He has a pinpoint accurate shot and strong vision of the ice which enables him to produce.

Whether Phillips is 100 per cent will remain a mystery, but his inclusion in the lineup means the Majors will need to keep an eye on him. By virtue of being on the ice, Phillips' presence could at least open up more space for other forwards, such as Jonathan Huberdeau.

How quickly can the Majors rebound from losing the OHL final?

Cameron joked at Thursday's press conference that he hasn't been able to be around sharp objects following his team's Game 7 loss to Owen Sound in the final. Not that the Majors will need any more motivation than the fact they're hosting junior hockey's most prestigious tournament, but the disappointment from that loss should motivate them.

Going into this tournament through the back door as the hosts is a bitter pill to swallow. Whether the Majors digested it and can move on will determine how they bounce back.

Which experience will win out?

Three players on both sides played in last year's tournament in Brandon, Man. Sea Dogs goaltender Jacob DeSerres was a member of the runner-up Brandon Wheat Kings while the Majors' Justin Shugg and Marc Cantin both won with the Spitfires.

DeSerres brings a calm and confident demeanor to his team and will undoubtedly be looking to make amends for a disastrous final a year ago. Shugg, meanwhile, could become the first player to win three MasterCard Memorial Cups consecutively since Robert Savard achieved the feat from 1980 through 1982.

Shugg and DeSerres should be familiar with each other after last year. The winner of this game within the game could determine which team starts in the win column.