Weekend Preview - Utah Grizzlies vs Victoria Salmon Kings

With their win over the Salmon Kings on Wednesday, the Grizzlies secured a spot in the playoffs. And there was much rejoicing. (Yaaaay...) The thing is, they still have two more games to go before they can start the playoffs, so they're hanging out in Victoria for the weekend.

The Salmon Kings are one of two teams that are still fighting for a playoff spot in the National Conference. We personally find it sad that only one team in the conference won't make it. It's kind of like when we were in elementary school and they started the dodge ball game without us, even though we were still waiting in line by ourselves to be picked. The other last kid picked is Ontario, so they'll be eyeing each other from the out of bounds line hoping not to be odd man out.

Here's how it looks for Victoria as of Friday:

The Salmon Kings can clinch a playoff spot if...

• They win. Or...


• Ontario loses in regulation. Or...


• Victoria loses in overtime/shootout and Ontario loses.

How long with this battle be dragged out? Only the Grizzlies know.

Maybe.

Anyway, according to Adrian Denny's game day blog, the Grizzlies can earn home ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs with a win tonight. But that's only if Alaska wins and Las Vegas loses. This stuff is so complicated it makes our brain hurt. Since there are only a few more games, we're going to just wait around and see how it ends. We're kind of lazy that way.

The Grizzlies have found yet another goaltender to stick in their lineup at the last minute. We don't know where all these guys come from. There must be a goalie farm somewhere, and they're all finally getting ripe. Today's special is Mike Morrison, and he comes to the Grizzlies fresh from the Albany River Rats in the AHL. This means O'Keefe is odd man out, however, and has been put on waivers. We thought O'Keefe did a great job for the team this season, and wish him the best of luck. Thanks a ton, Mitch! Morrison will join the team for the last two games. He is expected to start on Friday.

The challenge for the Grizzlies this weekend will be to not look past the last two games of the season and focus on the playoffs. They can still improve their position in the standings, and we're all for home ice advantage because we're selfish and want more games at the E Center.

Tonight's game starts at 8:05 pm, and can be heard on 1230AM. You can also watch at Legends Pub and Grill. Ryan Kinasewich's next point gives him 100 for the season. There are only two games left this season, and the Grizz can use them to get a running start into the playoffs.

We're psyched.