Minor Hockey Talks - Hockey Forum

The North Bay Battalion’s upcoming weekend: A make-or-break moment?

The Battalion face a crucial weekend with three games that could define their playoff positioning. Fresh off a four-win road trip, they hold a slim lead for the final Eastern Conference playoff spot, but their upcoming opponents present significant challenges.

How crucial is the home game against a surging Brampton Steelheads team? Can the Battalion contain Brampton’s elite players like Rehkopf and Martone, especially considering Brampton will be rested this time around?

The looming matchup against the Ottawa 67’s adds another layer of complexity. With the 67’s having extra rest time to prepare, is this a must-win for the Battalion to maintain their playoff edge? How will North Bay manage their roster and ice time considering the back-to-back games?

The Battalion's recent struggles with shorthanded goals raises concerns. Is this a systemic issue, or simply a matter of tightening up individual plays? Can they afford to give up these crucial momentum shifts in such vital games?

Finally, the goaltending situation presents an intriguing question. Will McIvor, fresh off being named OHL Goaltender of the Week, start all three games, or will Lisson get another opportunity? What's the optimal strategy for managing the goaltending workload during this critical stretch?

Let's hear your predictions for the Battalion's weekend performance. What are the key factors that will determine their success or failure?