Bearcat Banter: Trying times

Suspense is building.

Two weeks remain in regular season play and positioning in both Divisions is still up in the air.

The Bearcats are in those groupings but are in need of help. They are no longer in full control of their destiny regarding post-season play.

The team lost a tough one in Bridgewater, a SO loss to the Lumberjacks, the third such ending this season to that team. That one closed the gap significantly between the clubs.

The Bearcats had a strong two periods but lost momentum early in the third period and were never able to regain it. The chances surfaced but the team was unable to capitalize.

Like a movie seen before, the Bearcats entered the final frame with a lead but were unable to lock down the win. Tough loss.

Friday, in Yarmouth, the hometown Mariners scored midway through the first minute and never looked back. There’s no team that plays with a lead better than them.

Truro has struggled with its power play all season. That night they picked up a pair but it was the 5-on-5 which did them in. Finishing second best in races for the puck limits opportunity for success. It may be fair to say Truro fell short of a sixty minute effort.

The Bearcats’ road trip extends into this week with stops in Valley and Amherst. Both have a 7:00 pm start. The Valley Wildcats have been taking a pounding lately. They still have pride and clearly will not roll over to the Bearcats. The Ramblers entered the week one point out of first place. There will be no easy visit there.

The Bearcats have been one of the winningest teams over the years. They have always received the opposition’s best. Players have to realize that.

The South Shore Lumberjacks and Pictou County Crushers have been chasing the Bearcats all season. The separation has narrowed steadily since the new year.

Each club has to address its respective schedule. Let’s see how it shakes down.

Suspense is building.