Game Preview | Apr. 14 vs Saint John

As we near the middle of the final month of the season, the standings board is really starting to heat up in the QMJHL. With the way things are positioned right now, the Islanders are in the number one spot overall, however, they are tied at 87 points with the Quebec Remparts. There are currently four teams that have reached the 80-point mark this season, so there is no room for error for any teams. Now, what could probably be determined as the most crucial game for the Islanders as we come down to the wire is here. The 2022 Memorial Cup hosts, Saint John Sea Dogs come to the Eastlink Centre for the Maritime foes’ final showdown of the 2021-22 regular season. Each time Charlottetown and Saint John have met since the resumption of play, every bout has been like a President Cup Finals. Tonight, the puck drops at 7 pm for what is once again sure to be, a playoff-like atmosphere.

The season series between the two franchises is led by the Islanders at five games to three. The Isles have outscored the Sea Dogs 29-23 throughout their eight bouts.

Saint John is once again one of the hottest teams in the QMJHL, despite just sneaking on the CHL’s top-10 list at number 9. They are winners of six straight matches with the last win being a 4-2 takedown of the Remparts. They have also picked up the two points in eight of their last ten games. For the Sea Dogs, this could be viewed as another statement game. After taking down the Quebec Remparts Sunday, taking down the Islanders tonight would mean defeating the league’s best in back-to-back games. Even though they are a respectable 38-17-1-3 with 80 points which is good enough for 5th overall in the Q, they’d love to keep pushing for a higher seed. With a win tonight, they’d sit just five points back of the Isles with eight games remaining. This year’s Memorial Cup hosts have come up big down the stretch and with big bad William Dufour still tearing up the Q, they’ll give the Eastlink Centre crowd quite the show.

Charlottetown has fallen to 7th place on the CHL’s top-10 list, their lowest position in quite some time. They’re also no longer the top Q team on it as the Remparts are one slot ahead at 6th. The Islanders have been plagued by the injury bug plenty this season though and the fact they’ve still remained this good is shining light on their depth and resilience to pressure and adversity. The Isles were the first team in the Q to clinch a playoff birth this season and with Xavier Simoneau back in the thick of the action, they’ll be tough to push off the top of the Q table. It’s also worth noting that the Islanders have given up the league’s fewest goals at 149 this season. A true showing of Charlottetown’s exceptional goaltending and defense. Tonight’s game is huge for the Isles in keeping their names atop the Q as the Remparts continue to breathe down their necks. As well as to show that the Isles, are a playoff-ready force. It’s go time for the Charlottetown Islanders as we’re now in the final ten games of the season, after all, that 100-point marker is still within reach.

Roster/Injury Update: Drew Elliott remains out of the lineup and is considered day-to-day for precautionary reasons. Ben Boyd is progressing nicely and should start skating next week. Matt McQuaid will draw back into the lineup tonight, and Franky Lappena gets the call between the pipes.

Once again, puck drop is scheduled for 7 pm this evening at the Eastlink Centre. It’s also student night tonight which means $4 tickets and $4 drinks for those age 19+! Make sure to get your tickets early and come on out to support your boys in black and harvest gold!

GO Isles GO!