If Peterborough wins their remaining four games (likely), and Brooklin loses all five of their remaining games (unlikely), Peterborough would take over top spot in the MSL. While Peterborough is on a hot streak, Brooklin has just been too good this season to expect them to give up the top spot.
The two teams meet on Wednesday at Iroquois Park in Whitby, their last meeting of the regular season. Peterborough leads the season series 2-1 (although one of those wins goes to Brooklin due to the forfeit). On the floor though, the Lakers have gotten the best of the Redmen.
The Lakers will face Mike Poulin for the first time this season. Zack Higgins suffered an embarrassing defeat in Brooklin’s last game, a 14-12 overtime loss to the Brampton Excelsiors. Tyler Carlson should get the start for Peterborough; Carlson has been on a roll with decisive wins over KW, Oakville, and Brampton, and is ready for a test against a stronger team. Head coach Joe Sullivan has stated his confidence in both Carlson and backup Davide DiRuscio, so whichever gets the start won’t be a surprise.
Mark Steenhuis has been on fire this season, scoring over five points a game for 71 on the season. Every game for Steenhuis has been a big one, so expect more of the same on Wednesday. Andrew Suitor had a big offensive game on Monday in the absence of Adam Jones, collecting two goals and an assist. Suitor has been contributing on defense this season rather than offence. Alex Henderson, who was a healthy scratch most of the season, has been added back into the lineup and has four assists in the last three games.
For Brooklin, Shayne Jackson, Dan Lintner, Curtis Knight, and Shawn Williams continue to lead the attack. All are in the top league scorers and can be counted on to control the offence in every game. Without Mike Cudmore in their last game, the Redmen did poorly on face-offs. Getting him back will be key to beating Stephen Hoar and Suitor in the circle.
As long as Peterborough can stay ahead of the Six Nations Chiefs, they will avoid the Redmen in the first round of the playoffs. The Lakers would play the Chiefs, while the Redmen would match up with one KW, Oakville, or Brampton. Brampton and Oakville have both had a late resurgence and that playoff spot is up for grabs.
Brooklin will be missing Cam Holding to the World Championships, while Peterborough will be missing Matt Vinc, Adam Jones, and John Grant.
