Tough week ahead for playoff bubble teams

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

It doesn't seem like anybody wants that last spot in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League post-season.

The Saint John Sea Dogs, who currently hold the 16th and final playoff spot, have lost six straight games. The 17th-place Gatineau Olympiques, meanwhile, have lost eight straight (but have earned four loser points during that stretch) while the last-place Victoriaville Tigres have lost six consecutive games.

The Tigres sit 10 points back of Saint John and, with 15 games remaining, are basically out of the playoff picture. It's possible they could make it, but it would require quite a turnaround and some luck.

It's likely to come down to Gatineau (17th, 34 points), Saint John (16th, 38 points) and the 15th-place Halifax Mooseheads (15th, 41 points) for the final spots. The Quebec Remparts and Val-d'Or Foreurs aren't that far off either, but let's focus on Gatineau, Saint John and Halifax for now.

Of the three, Saint John likely has the "easiest" schedule this week – but that's not saying much. It won't be an easy week for any of these teams.

Halifax (15th, 41 points)

Thursday, Feb. 13 vs Cape Breton (10th, 55 points)

Saturday, Feb. 15 at Moncton (1st, 78 points)

Monday, Feb. 17 vs Moncton (1st, 78 points)

Saint John (16th, 38 points)
Saturday, Feb, 15 vs Shawinigan (6th, 60 points)
Monday, Feb. 17 vs Cape Breton (10th, 55 points)

Gatineau (17th, 34 points)

Thursday, Feb. 13 at Rimouski (2nd, 73 points)

Saturday, Feb, 15 at Blainville-Boisbriand (8th, 59 points)

If the playoffs started today, the Sea Dogs would be moved into the Western Conference and face the Drummondville Voltigeurs in the opening round. The two met in last year's first round and, like last year, Saint John would be major underdogs.

The Sea Dogs and Mooseheads meet three more times in the regular season – Feb. 27 at Saint John, March 7 at Saint John and March 8 at Halifax – in what could be key games for playoff positioning.