Still some jockeying for position possible within the lower seeds down the stretch. Ideally we’d play North Bay but they’d likely have to finish sixth (I don’t think the Stellheads will be caught for fifth). We could also play Hamilton who we should know more about in the coming weeks since we play them twice including this Sunday afternoon.
Watching the Petes last night don’t write them off as an easy opponent either as they’ve got much more talent than they’ve shown consistently over the season. We know Missy is playing well and punching above their weight on the backs of a few key players and that might not last.
Ultimately guys were going to have to beat whoever we play in round 1 so outside of North Bay (no disrespect but we’ve handled them well this year) I’m not sure it matters that much but I would agree at this point anyway it seems like Missy could be a tough out and they’ve played us tough down there.
I’d like to see us finish at least third in the conference as I like the matchup against the Ice Dogs better than the 67’s in round two but ultimately the chips will fall where they may so let’s just try to get into the playoffs playing well and as healthy as possible.
Im wondering if maybe Lemaire should get the start in Barrie tomorrow. I wouldn’t be entirely surprised if he did but again it could depend on how badly Stillman prefers third to fourth.
Someone mentioned it earlier, but UPL-Lemaire-UPL in that order this weekend would make sense.
I don't think the team can afford to sit back and "rest" players, there's still work to do, but they can certainly manage time and games well down the stretch.
With 12 games left, UPL plays 9?
Lemaire gets Barrie Feb. 23, Hamilton Mar. 15 and maybe even Oshawa Mar. 17 (especially if the standings are locked)