WEEK 15 (thru Monday)

Semyon Varlamov (32 save, 6.4 point shutout) has the Polar Bears thinking “no way in hell we’re winning the Laughing Bag,” the last place Bears departing Monday with 16.0 points, the proud 2016 FHL Cup Champion drawing to within 40.2 points of the 11th place Central Red Army.

Polar Bears: 16.0
Rocky Rocks: 0.0­
There typically isn’t a lot on the line when the two worst H2H teams in the league do battle; both the Polar Bears and Rocky Rocks dragging a 3-11 mark to this non-divisional encounter. There is however something to be played for here as the loser will be mathematically eliminated from the seven-team playoffs; the winner retaining a teaspoon of postseason hope.

Central Red Army: 3.0
Badger Bob: 7.0
With only eight weeks remaining the H2H regular season, the Central Red Army are marching very close to must-win territory, the team currently sporting a non-qualifying mark of 5-9. On paper, Badger Bob, 9-5, appears to be the heavy favorite, but the Bobs are struggling - the team losing four of their last six matches. To get their game back on track, it’s an important match for Badger Bob. To find a game and any sort of track, it's an extremely important match for the Army.

Boulder Flyers: 6.9
SC Cobras: 1.0­
A non-divisional meeting of two 7-7 teams; both the SC Cobras and Boulder Flyers currently sitting on the curved edge of the playoff bubble. The loser of this match will fall outside of the playoff picture; the winner will be one large step closer to a berth in the postseason. It's not quite a "win or go home" match, but important nevertheless.

Ice Hogs: 0.0
Wild Ducks: 4.0­
The franchise that finishes with the best H2H record receives a first round playoff bye - the team advancing to the H2H semifinals. At 10-4, the Ice Hogs currently own the best record in the league. The Wild Ducks, 9-5, own the second best record in the league. If the Ducks win they’ll be tied for the league lead (and a first round playoff bye). If the Hogs win ... well, you get the picture. She's a biggie.

Cherry Pickers: 1.0
Bluliners: 7.5
The Bluliners are one of four FHL teams with a record of 7-7. In the past, teams with a .500 record have qualified for the playoffs. Teams with a sub .500 record do not. As such, to avoid being placed on the outside of the playoff picture, the Bluliners have to win. The Cherry Pickers are 8-6, the playoff-worthy team still thinking “Probert title” (and automatic playoff berth) as they trail the Ice Hogs by just two games.

Misconducts: 1.0
Vegas Vipers: 0.0­
With a record of 9-5 and a two game Domi division lead, the Misconducts are sitting pretty. With the playoffs almost a lock, the Misconducts have turned their attention to finishing with the best H2H record (and a first round bye). The same can’t be said of the Vegas Vipers, the 7-7 squad feeling the heat as they currently sit (with three other teams) on the sharp edge of the postseason.

LINK: Standings