Playoff race heating up in OUA East
With just three weeks remaining in the regular season, hockey teams in the OUA’s Eastern Conference are scrambling to position themselves in the standings for the playoffs. Each team has anywhere between five and seven contests left, and there are any number of possible playoff combinations that we could see. Here’s how things are shaping up for the remaining games and some insight on where each team might end up. All stats are as of the morning of Jan. 22.
1. McGill Redmen (21-0-2) – 44 pts, 5 games remaining
The Redmen have already locked up top spot in the East. The defending OUA champs have been dynamite all season, having yet to lose in regulation. Their main concern down the stretch will be keeping 28-goal scorer Francis Verreault-Paul healthy. He had missed five games with an injury before returning to face UQTR Jan.12, and was removed from the Team Canada roster heading to Turkey to play in the World University Games.
2. UQTR Patriotes (14-7-1) – 29 pts, 6 games remaining
Last season’s regular season champs got off to a bit of a slow start, but are back on track now, having won six of their last 10 games. Their remaining six games come against the teams that are closest in their rear-view mirror.
Remaining opponents: at Ottawa (2), vs. Ottawa, at Carleton (2), vs. Concordia
Four of their final six come on the road, but they’re an impressive 6-3-1 as the visitors this season. They control their own destiny, but no games against third-place Nipissing means they need to likely win at least four times to hold on to second spot.
Prediction: 3rd.
3. Nipissing Lakers (13-7-3) – 29 pts, 5 games remaining
After McGill, Nipissing has been the hottest team in the East over the last 10 games. They got their tough games out of the way at the beginning of the season and now have a very good shot at finishing in second place.
Remaining opponents: at RMC, vs. Queen's (2), vs. Toronto, at Toronto
They get last-place RMC and two teams who are fighting for bottom spots in the playoffs. They’ve been very good at home, where they play three more times. Don’t be surprised to see them win out.
Prediction: 2nd.
4. Carleton Ravens (13-7-2) – 28 pts, 6 games remaining
The Ravens have cooled off a bit after a hot start, but they have won three of five games since the break. The only two losses came on the road at McGill, not exactly easy pickings. In their last two home games, they’ve beaten Ottawa and Concordia by a combined score of 15-3.
Remaining opponents: vs. McGill (2), vs UQTR (2), at Ottawa, at Concordia
Their schedule will only be as tough as they make it. Four games against McGill and UQTR looks daunting, but all are at home, where they’re 8-2. The key will be how they play after losing leading scorers Brandon MacLean and Ryan Berard to Team Canada. Outside shot at third place.
Prediction: 4th.
5. Ottawa Gee-Gees (10-8-3) – 23 pts, 7 games remaining
A bit of a Jekyll and Hyde team this year, the Gee-Gees struggled to keep pucks out of their own net at times. They play the teams immediately above and below them, which means moving in either direction isn’t out of the question.
Remaining opponents: vs. UQTR (2), at UQTR, vs. Concordia, at Concordia, vs. Carleton, at McGill
They’re one of two teams to have gained a point from McGill this season, so they’ve shown they are capable of skating with the best. However, their tough schedule will likely prevent them from moving upwards.
Prediction: 6th.
6. Concordia Stingers (11-10-1) – 23 pts, 6 games remaining
A recent seven-game losing streak has removed them from conversation about top teams in the conference. Like Ottawa, they’ve struggled in the goals against department. They also have a tough schedule, as all of their remaining games come against superior teams.
Remaining opponents: vs. Ottawa, at Ottawa, vs. Carleton, at UQTR, vs. McGill, at McGill
The two games against the Gee-Gees will ultimately decide who takes fifth spot. Right now, the Stingers goaltending and play at home gives them a bit of an edge.
Prediction: 5th.
7. Toronto Varsity Blues (8-8-6) – 22 pts, 6 games remaining
It’s unlikely Toronto will be able to jump up and challenge for 6th, so they’re in a three-team race for two spots with Queen’s and Ryerson.
Remaining opponents: vs. Ryerson, at Ryerson, vs. Nipissing, at Nipissing, at Queen's, at RMC
Six losses in overtime means the team has been in many of their games this season, but also shows a lack of finishing ability. They play half their games against teams they’re in competition with. Their game with Queen’s on last day of the season could decide who grabs seventh.
Prediction: 7th.
8. Queen’s Gaels (9-10-2) – 20 pts, 7 games remaining
Same situation as Toronto. Three games against Ryerson are key to holding them off in the fight for eighth.
Remaining opponents: vs. Toronto, at Nipissing (2), at RMC, vs. Ryerson (2), at Ryerson
They’ve beaten Toronto three times this season, but Toronto has gained a point each time.
Prediction: 8th.
Ryerson sits six points back of Queen’s with seven games to play. While they do have an outside shot of getting in, it does not appear likely at this point.
Predicted final standings:
1. McGill
2. Nipissing
3. UQTR
4. Carleton
5. Concordia
6. Ottawa
7. Toronto
8. Queen’s
For Ravens fans, a fourth-place finish — and therefore a first-round playoff matchup with the Stingers — seems most likely. The two games against UQTR will ultimately be the deciding factor. Should it come down to the difference of one point, you’ll have to look no further than Dec. 3 in Quebec when the Patriotes won the game with one second left in regulation, robbing the Ravens of a point. Something to keep in mind as the season winds down.
Matt Di Nicolantonio is a fourth-year journalism student from Toronto. He is the play-by-play voice of the Carleton Ravens for SSN and co-host of sports for Charlatan Live on CKCU radio.