nivek_wahs
03-13-2007, 03:06 AM
http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/news/sports/story.html?id=f9cf9c40-88fb-444b-93e4-78e66aaad407
Blades look to make playoff history
Doug McConachie, The StarPhoenix
Published: Tuesday, March 13, 2007
The Saskatoon Blades are flirting with Western Hockey League history.
If they can win their final three games of the season -- and admittedly, it's a big 'if' -- they could be part of a three-team tie for the fourth and final playoff berth in the East Division.
"It's possible," WHL vice-president Richard Doerksen said Monday as the Blades, Moose Jaw Warriors and Prince Albert Raiders all battle for the playoffs, each with three games remaining. Even if two teams tied for last spot, it would still be a first for the WHL.
To get there, the Blades must defeat Moose Jaw Wednesday and then win back-to-back games in regulation time against the Raiders Friday and Saturday to finish with 28 wins and 60 points. Even if Prince Albert wins its other game against Regina Wednesday, to end up with 60 points also, they'd finish with 27 wins.
As for Moose Jaw, not only would they have to lose against the Blades, they'd then have to split their final two games against Swift Current to end up with 28 wins. But they'd also have to end up collecting one point in one of their two losses -- obtainable by playing to a tie in regulation -- to get to 60 points.
And if that scenario unfolds, the Blades would be all smiles.
If three teams tie, the team with the lowest number of wins (Prince Albert) is out, Doerksen said. The other two teams (Saskatoon and Moose Jaw) would then have a one-game playoff to determine last spot and the Blades, by virtue of having won six of eight against the Warriors, would host that game.
Even if Saskatoon wins all three of its remaining games, that might not be enough.
Moose Jaw could win both Swift Current games and finish one point higher (61) and finish in the playoffs. The Warriors have won five out of six against the Broncos this season.
And if Saskatoon loses even one of their games, then it's strictly a showdown between the Raiders and Warriors for that last spot. The Raiders have the advantage in that they are one point up on Moose Jaw today.
The closest the WHL came to having three teams tied for last place was during the 1977- 78 season. The Victoria Cougars and New Westminster Bruins tied for second with 77 points, while the Seattle Breakers had 76. That year, three teams in each division made the playoffs.
dmcconachie@sp.canwest.com
GAMES REMAINING:
SASKATOON (3) -- Wednesday vs. Moose Jaw; Friday in Prince Albert; Saturday vs. Prince Albert.
PRINCE ALBERT (3) -- Wednesday vss Regina; Friday vs. Saskatoon; Saturday in Saskatoon.
MOOSE JAW (3) -- Wednesday in Saskatoon; Friday in Swift Current; Saturday vs. Swift Current.
© The StarPhoenix (Saskatoon) 2007
Blades look to make playoff history
Doug McConachie, The StarPhoenix
Published: Tuesday, March 13, 2007
The Saskatoon Blades are flirting with Western Hockey League history.
If they can win their final three games of the season -- and admittedly, it's a big 'if' -- they could be part of a three-team tie for the fourth and final playoff berth in the East Division.
"It's possible," WHL vice-president Richard Doerksen said Monday as the Blades, Moose Jaw Warriors and Prince Albert Raiders all battle for the playoffs, each with three games remaining. Even if two teams tied for last spot, it would still be a first for the WHL.
To get there, the Blades must defeat Moose Jaw Wednesday and then win back-to-back games in regulation time against the Raiders Friday and Saturday to finish with 28 wins and 60 points. Even if Prince Albert wins its other game against Regina Wednesday, to end up with 60 points also, they'd finish with 27 wins.
As for Moose Jaw, not only would they have to lose against the Blades, they'd then have to split their final two games against Swift Current to end up with 28 wins. But they'd also have to end up collecting one point in one of their two losses -- obtainable by playing to a tie in regulation -- to get to 60 points.
And if that scenario unfolds, the Blades would be all smiles.
If three teams tie, the team with the lowest number of wins (Prince Albert) is out, Doerksen said. The other two teams (Saskatoon and Moose Jaw) would then have a one-game playoff to determine last spot and the Blades, by virtue of having won six of eight against the Warriors, would host that game.
Even if Saskatoon wins all three of its remaining games, that might not be enough.
Moose Jaw could win both Swift Current games and finish one point higher (61) and finish in the playoffs. The Warriors have won five out of six against the Broncos this season.
And if Saskatoon loses even one of their games, then it's strictly a showdown between the Raiders and Warriors for that last spot. The Raiders have the advantage in that they are one point up on Moose Jaw today.
The closest the WHL came to having three teams tied for last place was during the 1977- 78 season. The Victoria Cougars and New Westminster Bruins tied for second with 77 points, while the Seattle Breakers had 76. That year, three teams in each division made the playoffs.
dmcconachie@sp.canwest.com
GAMES REMAINING:
SASKATOON (3) -- Wednesday vs. Moose Jaw; Friday in Prince Albert; Saturday vs. Prince Albert.
PRINCE ALBERT (3) -- Wednesday vss Regina; Friday vs. Saskatoon; Saturday in Saskatoon.
MOOSE JAW (3) -- Wednesday in Saskatoon; Friday in Swift Current; Saturday vs. Swift Current.
© The StarPhoenix (Saskatoon) 2007