Another important week ahead for Sea Dogs

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

The Saint John Sea Dogs enter the week just two points back of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's final playoff spot.

Following a four-point weekend, the Sea Dogs have 40 points on the season, placing them 17th overall. The Val-d'Or Foreurs, who currently own the 16th and final playoff spot, have 42 points and have played one more game than Saint John.

The Charlottetown Islanders and Cape Breton Eagles sit just ahead of Val-d'Or with 44 points each.

The Sea Dogs will face a major challenge when they return to action on Friday, hosting Joshua Roy and the Sherbrooke Phoenix. The Phoenix, who loaded up at the trade deadline, currently sit first in the Western Conference and third overall in the league with 75 points.

On Saturday and holiday Monday, the Sea Dogs will host the Islanders in a couple of crucial games. The two teams have five meetings remaining in the regular season.

Here's a look at this week's schedules for the three teams the Sea Dogs are trying to catch:

Val-d'Or Foreurs (16th - 42 points)

Feb. 15 vs Cape Breton

Feb. 18 vs Chicoutimi

Feb. 19 vs Chicoutimi

Charlottetown Islanders (15th - 44 points)

Feb. 16 at Moncton

Feb. 18 at Saint John

Feb. 20 at Saint John

Cape Breton Eagles (14th - 44 points)

Feb. 15 at Val-d'Or

Feb. 16 at Rouyn-Noranda

Feb. 18 at Gatineau

A few other notes...

• The Eagles are currently on a rare six-game road trip through Quebec. They played in Drummondville, Shawinigan and Blainville-Boisbriand last week and are now heading to play Val-d'Or, Rouyn-Noranda and Gatineau. 
• The Titan lost their 12th straight game on Sunday in Saint John. 
• The Foreurs, like the Titan, have been tumbling down the standings in the second half. They are just 2-8-0-0 in their last 10 games.
• The Phoenix are 6-1-0-0 against Maritimes Division teams this season. They'll visit Saint John, Moncton and Bathurst on their road trip.