Only three games remain and they’re all must wins for the Barrie Blizzard as they fight for the sixth and final playoff spot. Barrie is currently tied for sixth place with the Iroquois Ironmen but will pull ahead if they can win both games this weekend. The Blizzard have a tough mountain to climb to get to the post season with their biggest test being this Saturday when they face the first place Niagara Lock Monsters. Niagara embarrassed Barrie earlier this year by crushing them 21-5 in their own barn.
Niagara clinched first place on Monday and are looking to extend their eight game win streak at home this weekend. The Lock Monsters have only lost one game in their own rink this year and that was way back on February 10th. They haven’t lost since (home or away) and are by far the hottest team in the CLax.
Niagara has a lot of fire power up front and are the only team in the league housing five or more players with 40 plus points. Corey Fowler leads all CLax scorers with 67 points (27g 40a) while teammate Andrew Potter is right behind him in second with 65 points (27g 38a).
Besides the talent up front, Niagara also has Connor Danko who is arguably one of the best netminders in pro lacrosse. Although Danko was yanked from the net two weeks ago against Toronto, he has yet to be slapped with a loss and sits with a 7-0 record. He plays an acrobatic style of goaltending and can make circus saves in his sleep. He’s extremely tough to rattle and never seems to lose focus which makes him and easy candidate for MVP honors.
Although Barrie has just two wins on the season they are certainly not pushovers. Caleb Wiles has been the most consistent player in the Canadian Lacrosse League and has tallied at least three points in every game he’s played in this season. He has six hat tricks on the year including two five goal games and is a nightmare for opposing teams.
The Blizzard also have Reed “The Beast” Board who is one of the best two way players in lacrosse today. They call him the beast for a reason and you’ll see why on Saturday; this guy bulldozes through opponents like they’re tissue paper. He is an amazingly well rounded talent who plays both ends of the floor equally well and there are not many players who can boast that.
If the Blizzard can snag that sixth and final playoff they will meet Niagara in the first round so this game could very well be a prelude to that. Game time is 2pm on Saturday from the Seymour-Hannah Sport and Entertainment Centre in St. Catharines Ontario.
