Sea Dogs return home to begin key stretch of schedule

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

The Saint John Sea Dogs begin what could prove to be their most important stretch of the season this weekend at TD Station.

The Sea Dogs begin a stretch of games against opponents that are either beneath or close to them in the overall standings. Saint John enters play this weekend with an 11-12-0-0 record for 22 points, placing them 11th overall in the QMJHL standings.

Now, we're not even at the halfway point of the season, so there's plenty of time to make up points. But with less than a month to go until the QMJHL trade period opens, this stretch of games could play a big role in determining what this team looks like come January.

It's been tough to get a real read on this Sea Dogs team that has struggled with consistency in recent weeks – which comes as no surprise for a team at this stage of a rebuild. But if the Sea Dogs can show during this stretch that they are capable of playing strong hockey against teams they should be able to beat, that will help in seeing just where this team is at.

Here's where Saint John's upcoming opponents sit in the overall standings.

Nov. 22 vs Charlottetown (16th overall)

Nov. 23 vs Charlottetown (16th overall)

Nov. 29 vs Gatineau (18th overall)

Nov. 30 at Halifax (13th overall)

Dec. 4 vs Bathurst (7th overall)

Dec. 6 at Cape Breton (12th overall)

The Sea Dogs then host the league leading Moncton Wildcats on Dec. 8, a team they've upset twice recently.

Fridays' game will be Saint John's first at TD Station since Nov. 3. They are 5-5-0-0 on home ice.