Do or Die – Critical Week for the Toronto Marlies

With only six games left in the regular season the Toronto Marlies playoff dream is still alive, but barely.

 

The playoff race could go down to the wire in the final game of the season or the Marlies’ aspirations could be dashed by the end of this weekend.

 

Toronto plays three games in three nights beginning in Hamilton when they take on the Bulldogs on Thursday night before returning home to play the Manitoba Moose – just the team they are chasing for the elusive playoff spot – for back to back games on Friday and Saturday at Ricoh Coliseum.

 

The Marlies trail the Moose by five points and with a possible four points up for grabs the race could end when the final whistle blows on Sunday. To say the games against Manitoba are crucial is an understatement, but the Marlies cannot make the mistake of looking past their Thursday opponent or will potentially lose out on another two points.

 

Both teams have six games remaining but the Marlies have the advantage with four of them being at home while the Moose will be on the road for four games. Toronto has played extremely well at Ricoh Coliseum this season posting a 20-11-3-2 record and have won 3 of their last 4 on home ice.

 

At the very least, the Marlies will have an opportunity to control a part of their destiny and if all goes well this weekend they will find themselves closer to a playoff spot.

 

For the Marlies the playoffs have essentially begun. Its do or die, put up or shut up, win or go home.

Contact Aman Dhanoa at aman@oyetimes.com