It looks likes the playoff race in the Canadian Conference is shaping up to be an exciting one, with three teams fighting for the final two playoff spots. Both the Rock (80 points)and Grinders (79 points) have been contesting to hold down the final playoff berth in the number 8 spot as the second wild card team. With each team separated by a single point heading into their respective clubs next match-up, both teams are well aware of the importance of the upcoming head to head meeting in Ottawa on July 12th. The Grinders and Rock have played a total of 5 games against each other this season, while the Rock hold the series advantage with 3 wins, one of which came after regulation. Last off-season, the Grinders signed former Rock forward Nicklas Backstrom to a 3 year deal. Backstrom and his new teammates will attempt to stop ex-line mate Alexander Ovechkin from getting one step closer to punching his ticket into the playoffs. Oveckin enters his next game with 38 goals and 81 points in 78 games played.
The Consiton Titans currently sit in the 1st wild card spot (7th in the conference) with 81 points after 75 games played. The Titans are 4 points back of the Average Joes (76 games played) and 6 points back of the Wolves (79 games plated) in the Canadian Division. With 3 games in hand on both the Rock and Grinders they should feel confident to grab one of the final playoff berths and with a bit of luck look to avoid a tough matchup with one of the Division leaders in the first round (Mississauga or Regina).