We’ve reached the final weekend of the regular season and the Silvertips still have everything to play for. First, here’s where things stand in the race for the Western Conference’s final two playoff berths:
7. Victoria, 53 points, one game remaining
8. Everett, 52 points, two games remaining
9. Seattle, 50 points, three games remaining
10. Prince George, 48 points, two games remaining
Here’s what’s in store this weekend:
FRIDAY
Everett at Tri-City
Portland at Victoria
Seattle at Spokane
Prince George at Kamloops
SATURDAY
Everett at Seattle
Kamloops at Prince George
SUNDAY
Seattle at Portland
What does this mean?
Well, Everett can still finish anywhere from seventh to 10th in the standings. What we know for sure is that the situation for clinching a playoff berth is exactly the same Friday as it was Wednesday. If Everett wins Friday and Victoria loses, then the Tips will be in. Otherwise it will go down to that Saturday game in Kent, and possibly even sweating out that Sunday game in Portland.
The Tips can no longer expect any help. Victoria, Seattle and Prince George have all risen to the occasion in the past week, winning games they were expected to lose.
There’s still the possibility of a tie for the eighth and final playoff spot. If that happens there will be a one-game playoff next week to determine who gets the last spot.
There’s also the possibility of a three-way tie for eighth. The Tips don’t want to be a part of that because, if that happens, I believe the first tiebreaker (total wins) would be used to eliminate one team, and Everett would have the fewest wins in that scenario.
So get ready for a tense couple days, Everett’s own version of March Madness, shall we say.
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