Two days left in the WHL regular season, and tonight's games could determine a lot of things.
Firstoff, two teams were mathematically eliminated last night - Lethbridge and Kamloops. With the Canes going out, Prince Albert has claimed the 8th spot in the East, and thus we also have our first playoff matchup determined - the Raiders will play Saskatoon in the first round.
Back to Kamloops; their demise at the hands of Prince George also allowed Prince George to clinch a playoff spot, meaning the final playoff spot in the West is now between Everett and Seattle. Don't bet on Seattle though as they need to win both their remaining games and have the Silvertips lose both their remaining games in regulation in order to have a shot through a tiebreaker.
And one last note on last night's outcomes - Red Deer has clinched the #2 spot in the East behind Saskatoon.
Tonight's important games:
MH vs CGY and KTN vs LTH. Kootenay is still pursuing the Tigers for #3 in the East. To pull it off, they need to win tonight and have the Tigers lose to Calgary either tonight or tomorrow.
MJ vs BRN and EDM vs RDR: Edmonton and Brandon are still battling for the #6/#7 spots in the East. Edmonton will get 6th if they win tonight and Brandon loses in regulation. Any other outcomes gives #6 to the Wheat Kings.
POR vs SEA and SPO vs TRI: A Portland win combined with a Spokane loss will give Portland the conference title. Any other outcome means they'll settle things head-to-head tomorrow.
CHI vs EVT and VAN vs KEL: Chilliwack and Vancouver are scrapping for the #5/#6 seeds in the West. A Chilliwack win with a Vancouver loss gives the #5 spot to the Bruins. A Chilliwack loss with a Vancouver win gives it to the Giants. Any other outcomes mean the Bruins will have to await the outcome of Vancouver's game tomorrow.
And of course, the EVT and SEA games are important for another reason as well - one point by Everett or one lost point by Seattle will eliminate the Thunderbirds and give the final playoff spot to Everett.
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