Crunch Time As Playoffs are Nearing

The Importance of the Last 6 Games

Having clinched a playoff spot quite awhile ago and with first place sewn up, the Kamloops Storm appear to be operating on cruise control. With a 7-3 record in 2009, the Storm have fared well with the ongoing calamity of call-ups, a rash of injuries, illnesses and suspensions.

Alternatively, the Storm's combined record against their remaining opponents for the rest of the year is not quite as impressive and if you isolate the out-of-division success, it is less than stellar.

In the 16 games that Kamloops has played against these remaining opponents the Storm record is 9-7.
Out of the division, 2-2.

With their overall success this season and high expectations, anything less than a berth in the league final would be unacceptable. Heck, they have been there the last 2 seasons so really, anything less than a championship will still be considered a failure.

The playoffs are a long haul to the finals. The results of the last 6 games could play a big part in the psyche of the team. It's nice to be at the top looking down, but when the playoffs start, it's a round-robin to start with and anything can happen. The playing field is leveled and every other team will be out to get them.

Let's hope that they will be ready... and disciplined. It has to start tonight against Chase who now actually believe that they can beat the Storm in a series. With the only winning record (4-3) against the Storm in the division, knocking off the Chiefs tonight with a little enthusiasm could be just the warm-up they need to carry them into the playoffs.

Another loss may be a recipe for doubt.

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Playoff home dates will be February 24, February 28 March 2 and March 3 all games at 7pm.

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