The Carleton Ravens' race to the RSEQ playoffs reaches a critical point this weekend when they host the Concordia Stingers on Friday night before heading to McGill on Saturday.
The Stingers enter the evening the best team in Canada at 18-0 and 12 points ahead of second-place Montreal. The Ravens on the other hand have work to do, looking to return to the win column, Carleton enter the weekend three points back of the Gee-Gees for the fourth and final playoff spot. Ottawa managed to pick-up a point last weekend against the Stingers, taking them to overtime, before beating the Ravens and now it will be Carleton's chance to make up ground.
The Ravens have had a difficult time with the Stingers so far this season. Down 0-3 in the season series discipline will play a huge factor on Friday as Carleton has surrendered 20 power plays in their first three meetings. The Concordia power play is operating at an unheard-of 66.67% and Carleton will need to stay out of the box if they want to earn needed points.
The Ravens do have a rabbit up their sleeve, having beat the Stingers at home last season. It's magic they'll look to recreate on Friday.
On the road Saturday, Carleton will look to put more space between them and the Martlets. McGill is clinging onto the playoff race with seven games to go, now trailing Ottawa by five points. A regulation win by the Ravens would do well to further separate the two teams.
McGill does hold the 2-1 advantage over Carleton, most recently beating the Ravens 1-0 in double overtime at the Ice House. So far, only the road teams have won in the season series, with Carleton's lone win coming at McConnell. The power play could be the answer in the matchup on Saturday, the two teams are a combined 1-for-23 in the season series, meaning the first team to get the power play rolling could pull away quickly.
