Monday, January 20, 2014

Sea Dogs Nearing Playoff Spot

With just over 20 games to go, the Saint John Sea Dogs are very much alive in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League playoff race.

After 45 games, the Sea Dogs have a record of 14-27-1-3 for 32 points which places them 17th overall in the 18-team league. Winners of three straight, their solid play of late has them just two points out of playoff spot with two games in-hand on the 16th-placed Sherbrooke Phoenix.

At this time two months ago, the Sea Dogs were eight points back of the Phoenix. But Sherbrooke has gone downhill of late and are just 1-6-2-1 in their last 10, allowing the Sea Dogs and the last-place Shawinigan Cataractes back into the race for playoff space.

16 of the 18 teams make the post-season. The two bottom teams who miss the playoffs take part in a coin flip to determine who gets the first overall pick in June’s Entry Draft. It’s certainly debatable on which would be better for the Sea Dogs – entered into the coin flip or gain playoff experience (likely limited experience) against one of the league’s top teams.

As you can see above, it’s pretty much a bundle of five teams in the league’s basement that will battle for positioning over the final two months of the regular season. With each team having just over 20 games left, there is plenty of time for movement in the standings.

No comments:

Post a Comment