Final Regular Season Weekend Review

Final League Record; 37 – 14 – 3, 77pts, 2nd Place

This was meant to be the time to build momentum for playoffs now that the league position was consolidated. It is hard to keep playing to a high level when there isn’t much to play for – Joey Martin.

He isn’t wrong. Dead rubber games or meaningless games are hard to get mentally prepared for, but with this club, the fans will always expect. The owners too.

These were difficult teams to play against as well, with Blaze slipping down the table week after week, they were desperate to reach playoffs. The same for the Clan, who had massive, lofty ambitions for this season.

The outcome, was the club could decide the fate for both or influence the fate for one.

It ended up being the latter as Devils struggled to convert offensively and Blaze powered through some sublime finishes to romp home the victors, shutting out their foes in their own barn in the process.

A bitter end of season game at home for the fans, knowing that momentum is key for a short playoffs, their last realistic hope of silverware this season.

It once again brought goal tending into the conversation, however, Bowns has been at his best this campaign, strong and consistent. The next slate of games, it doesn’t matter the score, as long as you win. This is the mentality the fanbase needs to garner for the next fortnight.

In Braehead however, that is seemingly how the game went. A response was needed, but at any cost. The win consigned the Clan to a rock bottom finish, no playoffs and a lot of questions to answer going forward. I won’t even mention the concussion-gate drama in the aftermath.

The game continued the goalie concerns, as in two games, 10 were conceded. Not unprecedented for this league, but it is for the Devils. Although in fairness, these were games that didn’t matter much, as long as there were no injuries. Also, for the win column, a win is a win.

It also brought some payback. Clan eliminated Devils in challenge cup action earlier this season, so that would have been a little sweet on the pallet for the team. Also, that final win confirmed a full season sweep over their Scottish foes. Massive achievement there.

Up next is Dundee in the Playoffs Quarter Finals in three days time.

This one would feel more favourable for the club, however Stars have recently signed their coach to an extension and in the playoffs, anything can happen. Starting it off with a home game, this is a must win occasion for the club, their last one of the season in total, so they need to give something back to their fans.

The other side of the tape is a team that has brought entertainment, flair and a lot of PIMS to the table. They will not lie down and let us walk over them. They faced each other a week ago, so we should expect this mini knockout series to be a physical affair, with lots on the line, included pride, wounded egos and scores to settle.

More to come on the playoffs later this week, including March-April MVP to round off the season.