Standings to Feb. 2
Five out of six points last week means Merritt ain’t out of it yet
With just 10 games remaining in their regular-season schedule, the sixth-place Merritt Centennials are not about to throw in the towel when it comes to making this year’s BCHL post-season.
The Cents sent that message loud and clear to their opposition this past week as they picked up two wins and an overtime loss to earn five of a possible six points and keep themselves in the hunt for the fourth-and-final playoff spot in the Interior Division.
On Jan. 27, the Cents scored three late third-period goals in a span of 25 seconds to record a stunning come-from-behind 6-4 victory over the visiting Penticton Vees.
Two nights later, Merritt took the Langley Rivermen to the second period of overtime before falling 4-3.
Less than 24 hours later, the Centennials managed to shake off the bus legs from their five-hour journey to Prince George and down the Spruce Kings 5-2.
The much-needed five points gives the Cents 39 in total after 48 games played. As of Tuesday of this week, that left them three points behind the fifth-place Trail Smoke Eaters (with two games in hand), and six back of the fourth-place Vernon Vipers (who were slated to play the Spruce Kings Wednesday night).
Merritt’s 10 remaining games (see above) are split down the middle — five at home and five away. The team closes out the regular season with a three-game homestand.
Next up for the Centennials is a home-and home series with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks this weekend.
Merritt plays at home on Saturday.
Centennials’ Remaining Games
Feb. 05 — Away at Salmon Arm
Feb. 06 — Home vs Salmon Arm
Feb. 09 — Home vs Vernon
Feb. 12 — Away at Cowichan Valley
Feb. 13 — Away at Victoria
Feb. 14 — Away at Alberni Valley
Feb. 19 — Away at Trail
Feb. 20 — Home vs Alberni Valley
Feb. 26 — Home vs Penticton
Feb. 27 — Home vs Wenatchee
