LNAH Playoff Scenarios: 8 Weekends Out

There are just 8 weekends remaining in the regular season. If the LNAH playoffs started today, the following scenarios would apply. 

Laval (1) vs Riviere du Loup (8): On paper this should be an even match, but in reality, it’s not. Laval has been the top dog all season while Riviere du Loup hasn't been able to get on track following their finals loss last Spring. It would be a classic matchup of size vs speed and physicality vs finesse. 

Jonquiere (2) vs Sorel-Tracy (7): The Marquis appear to have taken a page from the Epervier’s playbook of depth over star power. The Eperviers roster has remained relatively constant since last May’s championship but, like Riviere du Loup, they haven’t been able to shake the finals hangover. 

Saint-Hyacinthe (3) vs Thetford (6): This would arguably be the most technical matchup of the round. The Bataillon retooled from a physical style of play to a more technical one. They’d need every bit of it against the winningest coach in league history. 

Saint-Georges (4) vs Quebec (5): This would be the most emotionally charged matchup of the round; a repeat of last season’s opening round upset that may have saved the Nationals young franchise. The upset springboarded the #8 National into a comfortable Summer while #1 Saint-Georges was left simmering in defeat. One could only imagine the emotions in this one.

8 weekends out, the case for: Jonquiere

The Marquis are an improved squad from last year and currently sit in the #2 slot behind Laval. 

The Marquis can make their case for taking home the Gilles-Rousseau Cup with a balanced attack. Simon-Claude Blackburn leads the league in points but didn’t crack the league's top 10 in goals until this past weekend’s hat trick. Blackburn racks up assists on a roster that spreads the offensive wealth among its six leading scorers, including two defensemen.  

The Marquis demonstrate consistency in the roster on a nightly basis with all but one of their top scorers having played in over 85% of their games to date. Chemistry can be an overused term in sports, but when it comes to playoff hockey, knowing teammate tendencies is invaluable. 

Finally, the Marquis may have an advantage that comes from off the ice: travel. Jonquiere is the league’s Northwestern outpost, with only one team (Quebec) within a 3 hour drive. With Playoff hockey based on home and home series’ each weekend, it’s business as normal for the road ready Marquis, while visiting teams will be forced to adjust to the long drives. 

Next Time: The case for Laval.