This weekend the FIHL will conclude the first ever regular season with the 49th and 50th games of the 20/21 campaign. The only seed that is a lock is the Sand Sharks who have had the top spot sealed since just after the All Star Break. This update will go over each of the remaining three teams scenarios for the final week of play, and where they could land for the first round of the playoffs!
We start with the Minute Men. The Minute Men enter into the final week the hottest team in the FIHL, on a three game win streak and the the second seed after being in the FIHL cellar for most of the season. For the Minute Men it is simple. Win to stay number two and face number three in the final. They play the Aces this Saturday and a win guarantees the second seed no matter what happens in the other game. If they lose and the Sting Rays beat the Sharks, they will be right back in the basement, and staring at a first round versus the Sharks. If they lose and the Sharks beat the Sting Rays, they will drop to third seed and face the Aces in the first round. If they win, and the Sting Rays win, they will finish second and face the Sting Rays in the first round.
Up next are the Aces. As mentioned, they face the Minute Men and come in as the coldest team in the league. Coming off two heartbreaking losses, one in OT and last week at the buzzer, the Aces are on a four game losing jag and are in a state of disarray. Not to worry though as ALL the Lady Aces will be back in action and with a shored up bench, they could be poised to explode. If the Aces win, they reclaim the second seed no matter what happens in the other game. If the Aces lose, and the Sting Rays lose, they will drop to third seed and face the Minute Men in round one. If they lose and the Sting Rays win, they will drop into the basement and face the Sand Sharks in Round one. If they win and the Sting Rays win, they will finish second and face the Sting Rays in round one.
Last up is the Sting Rays, the easiest one to predict. They will play the Sand Sharks and are the owners of two of the three losses the Sharks have had all season. If they win their game, they will finish third seed no matter who wins the other game. If they lose, they will finish fourth and face the Sand Sharks in round one no matter who wins the other game. If they win and the Minute Men lose, they will face the Aces and if they win and the Aces lose, they will face the Minute Men.
There you have it! Do not forget to keep your tickets and buy more as the only jersey we have left is Kucherov and all tickets are valid for the raffle! See ya’ll Saturday for Week 25!!!