LNAH Playoff Scenarios: 5 Weekends Out

There are just 5 weekends remaining in the regular season. If the LNAH playoffs started today, the following scenarios would apply. 

Laval (1) vs Riviere-du-Loup (8): Nothing changes in the pairing, but the 3L’s upset of the Petroliers in Laval introduced the notion of another 1-vs-8 upset.  While Laval still has a stronghold on the #1 spot, Riviere-du-Loup’s efforts show they are capable of climbing out of the basement

Saint-Hyacinthe (2) vs Sorel-Tracy (7): The 2-vs-7 scenario changes with Saint-Hyacinthe making statement wins over Saint-Georges and Laval. The Bataillon have a solid hold on the #2 spot with 2 games in hand on the #3-5 teams. The Eperviers, meanwhile, continued playing .500 this weekend, but lost ground to #6 Thetford. 

Saint-Georges (3) vs Thetford (6): A pair of OT losses gave Saint-Georges the 2 points necessary to take the #3 spot over Jonquiere. Thetford’s 2-win weekend got them some breathing room over Sorel-Tracy.

Jonquiere (4) vs Quebec (5): Jonquiere fell 2 spots but is still just a point out of 3rd. Quebec, on the other hand, is narrowly hanging on to the #5 slot, just a point ahead of Thetford. 

5 weekends out, the case for: Riviere-du-Loup

The 3L have the most improbable road to the championship, sitting in last place, 6 points behind Sorel-Tracy. 

At a glance, it can be hard to make the case for Riviere du Loup. However, the 3L can make their case for taking home the Gilles-Rousseau Cup with a late season shake up. Starting with a change behind the bench, former champion and two-time coach of the year Serge Forcier might be able to light the fire under the team. In addition to the coaching change, the 3L were active at the trade deadline. Yannick Riendeau and Louick Marcotte bring veteran presence and all around potential to a team needing something new. 

While the team was active with trades, the team still holds a good chunk of the roster that made it to the championship round during the last two seasons including Kasey Kulczycki, Alex Ranger and Gabriel Denis. Should Captain Tristan Pomerleau return from his November injury, it brings back another piece of that core. 

Lastly, the 3L play a very disciplined game. Last in the league in penalties and majors, the lack of wear and tear will suit them well down the stretch and into the playoff grind.

Up Next: Saint-Georges