Tigers gain ground but time running short
Seven points back with nine games left
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The Campbellton Junior A Tigers picked up a needed point in their quest for the postseason but the number of Maritime Hockey League games they have left to play is quickly diminishing.
The Tigers earned one point in their three games on the weekend and a Sunday afternoon loss to the worst team in the division could prove costly.
The Grand Falls Rapids (12-28-3) were in town and handed the Tigers (15-26-2) a disappointing 4-3 setback, despite three goals for the hosts from Tyler Pazin. He now has 26 in his rookie season to lead all first-year players while sitting third overall in points with 40 in 43 games.
Friday the cats entertained the Edmundston Blizzard (31-10-1) where they were able to pick up a point in a 7-6 overtime loss to move to within seven points of the final playoff spot.
On Thursday, the Tigers were in Fredericton for an important game with the Red Wings (17-20-5) where they fell behind 3-0 after the first period and trailed 4-2 after the second, eventually losing 6-3.
That loss dropped the Tigers eight points back of the Wings for the fourth playoff spot in the EastLink North Division.
The Tigers will likely need to run the table in their final nine games to have any hope of making the playoffs. Of their nine remaining games, eight are against teams with a winning record while Fredericton has 10 games left to play, seven of which against teams with a winning record.
The Tigers play at home Friday against the Red Wings, followed by a Saturday evening game in Miramichi against the Timberwolves then Sunday at home against the Rapids, their final game of the year against their northern New Brunswick rivals.
A win against Fredericton will keep their playoff hopes alive while a loss will leave them nine points back and likely on the outside looking in when the playoffs start in three weeks.
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