Last year, up in the Soo, it was a laid back affair.
Coach/GM Steve Spott even stayed home for the team's final game of the season against the Greyhounds. The result didn't matter.
Kitchener was locked in third spot and going nowhere. Time had simply run out for a jump up or fall down.
So, besides the skipper, a few key players sat the game out. As the match wore on, others coasted on the bench, just to play it safe and avoid a last minute injury.
As of now, it doesn't appear that the Rangers will have that luxury.
A 6-1 drubbing at the hands of the London Knights - who, to be fair, since I've often lamented over Kitchener's injury issues, were missing three key players - means the Rangers are in jeopardy of losing home ice advantage in the post-season.
As it stands, the Rangers are in fourth place, three up on the Guelph Storm and three behind Owen Sound. As you know, only the top four teams get that home ice advantage in the playoffs.
It's hard to believe that a team as stacked as the Rangers may just finish fifth. I don't think anyone thought that was a possibility heading into the season.
There are six games left and two of them are against Guelph, including tomorrow's clash at the Aud. And while the Rangers have had the Storm's number over the last two years (10 wins, three losses), it's the Storm who won the past two meetings.
It's shaping up to be an exciting finish.
As for Sunday's game, Domenic Alberga was singled out for his effort. After a brutal start, the overager has four points in his past five games and is really getting under the skin of his opponents.
