A new #1 team… AND the Insiders’ Panel highlights some of the teams that could upset the heavy favourites in the playoffs…
BY Jonathan Huntington
SASKATOON – Change is the key word to describe the last regular-season Power Rankings before the playoffs start on February 28.
For the first time this year, we have a change at the #1 spot. In fact, 10 teams changed positions in this month’s rankings.
- Regina Pat Canadians: The unanimous choice among the 14 members of the Insiders’ Panel – thanks to Regina’s victory against Moose Jaw last week. The Pat Cs have won seven straight.
- Moose Jaw Winmar Warriors: Dropping to second-place, MJ still has a path to first overall in the SMAAAHL regular season standings, but likely needs to win the final head-to-head match with Regina on the road February 12.
- Saskatoon Blazers: The top team in the Bridge City has lost once in regulation in their last 10 games.
- Estevan Innovex Bears: Sixth in the actual standings, but Ryan Pilon’s crew gets league-wide respect from our Insiders’ Panel.
- Warman Wildcats: Just as hot as Estevan, Courage Bear’s team is 8-2 in their last 10.
- Swift Current Legionnaires: Confidence is such a key factor heading into the playoffs – expect Swift Current to get hot to end the year.
- Tisdale Trojans: It’s a four-way battle for the final two playoff spots. Tisdale is four points ahead of the cut-line, but has played one more game.
- Battlefords Stars: One point behind the Trojans in the standings, the Stars play twice in Tisdale next weekend. Must see TV.
- Saskatoon Contacts: Ryan Keller’s club needs some help to close the gap to make the post-season dance, but they can take a giant step forward with a win against Battlefords on Thursday.
- Prince Albert Mintos: Five points from the playoffs with seven games left, with two of those against Regina. PA needs to win Tuesday agains the Blazers.
- Yorkton Maulers: Winless in 19 games, it has been a tough second half for Yorkton.
- Notre Dame Hounds: Nine games left to end on a high note for the Hounds.
Upset Specials?: The Insiders’ Panel was asked to name the team that could pull-off an early-round (first or second round) upset. Four teams received multiple votes: Tisdale, Estevan, Saskatoon Blazers and Battlefords.
“Tisdale could be the surprise as they’ve had success against Moose Jaw and they have some game-changers in their line-up like (Camryn) Aebig and power forwards like (Carter) Hudyma,” said one opposing coach.
“Playoffs are a different animal and Tisdale is a hard place to play in the playoffs. If they can steal a game or two at Temple Gardens (in Moose Jaw), you never know,” said another insider.
Another coach stated: “Estevan has a goalie tandem that can steal a series; they don’t take a lot of penalties and their top power-play unit can change a series.”
“If Battlefords can get to their physical game, they also have goalies with the ability to steal some games,” remarked a different coach.
