Coming close counts in horseshoes, not so in hockey.
The Bearcats came up short in their last three outings. All were games they could have won; all were against Divisional rivals.
Last Tuesday at the RECC, the Bearcats had a strong opening period against the visiting Crushers. The rest of the game, at least large spans, were played in the Bearcat end. Uncharacteristic mismanagement of the puck contributed to the 4-3 Shootout loss.
While the Bearcats have won five of the eight meetings, Pictou County added two more wins since Tuesday to narrow the point gap with Truro.
Saturday, in Yarmouth, the Bearcats again had a strong start, but the desperate Mariners fought back to claim a 4-3 win, their second in the eight meetings with the Bearcats.
Key to the Mariner win was Special team play. Three of their goals came off the power play. The Bearcats gave them seven opportunities.
The Family Day game in Amherst was even from the get-go. The teams had two apiece entering the final period, but the Ramblers tallied three with a single reply to pick up the 4-3 win.
The Bearcat-Rambler games have been very close in their six outings; each having picked up three wins. Their two remaining games will have consequences.
Entering this week, it’s clear that Yarmouth and Valley have been eliminated from post-season play. They may relish the spoiler role.
Summerside sits atop the Eastlink South with 66 points, followed by Truro (60), followed very closely by Pictou County (59) and Amherst (57). The shuffling of positions may occur to the very end of regular season play.
The Bearcats have seven games remaining. Thursday, Summerside is in town looking to widen the gap. The Bearcats have won four of the previous seven.
Saturday, the West Kent Steamers are at the RECC. They are first in the Eastlink North and picked up an OT win over Truro in September.
Sunday, the Bearcats are in Valley for a makeup game (January 31). Truro has won three of their five meetings.
Nobody is comfortable at this point.