Playoff tournament schedule released

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

SAINT JOHN - The schedule for the QMJHL's New Brunswick Only Nine-Game Round-Robin President Cup Playoff Tournament Extravaganza has been released.

Each of the three New Brunswick clubs will play six games. The team with the best record at the completion of the "tournament" will advance to the Maritimes Division final to play the Charlottetown Islanders.

Here's a look at Saint John's schedule:

Tuesday, April 20 at 7 p.m. vs Wildcats

Thursday, April 22 at 7 p.m. at Bathurst

Saturday, April 24 at 7 p.m. at Moncton

Sunday, April 25 at 7 p.m. vs Titan

Friday, April 30 at 7 p.m. at Bathurst

Sunday, May 2 at 4 p.m. at Moncton

Saint John will play just two of their six games at TD Station while Bathurst will have four games on home ice - although the Sea Dogs are technically listed as the home team for the April 22 game at the KC Irving Regional Centre. Moncton will have an even split of three home and three away games.

The odd arrangement will mean all three New Brunswick clubs will have played 19 total games in their home buildings at the completion of the "tournament."

The move could, perhaps, benefit the Sea Dogs. The team enters Saturday's regular season finale at TD Station on a three-game home losing streak and have lost their past four home games against the Titan.

Also note that the Sunday, April 25 game at TD Station is listed as a 7 p.m. start.

Of all the weird and strange things that have happened this season, this playoff format is near the top of the list. At this point, might as well just embrace it.

On the other side of the Maritimes Division, the Cape Breton Eagles played their final game of the season last night while the Halifax Mooseheads will close up shop tonight. The Islanders will take a breather before, fingers crossed, playing the New Brunswick champion in the division final.