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considering how badly the injury bug has bitten the Lions in the past two games, if somehow we have first clinched before kick-off WB should quickly cobble together a team third stringers, practice roster fodder, and junior football players.

I am not sure how much montreal will be able to do in terms of resting players. Yes they will know the results of the games so they know if they have something to play for, but they are travelling to BC. They are only going to bring so many guys (and I believe that they have to declare a partial roster so many days before the game) the only one that I could really see them sitting is AC if the game means nothing.

This game will be interesting. Montreal historically has not played well BC. Last year was the first time in a long time that they won in BC. Then again there has not been to many times that Montreal has lost 2 in a row.

BC by 3

It's a short week for Montreal, plus they have to travel west

Montreal and B.C. both have to declare their 46-man rosters before the results of any of the key Friday or Saturday match-ups are known. The only flexibility they have is to give more playing time to some backups from the declared rosters.

ziggy wrote:Two teams could be fielded by Motreal. The one needed to clinch first if Winnipeg loses or the one fielded to protect the veterans if Winnipeg wins. Could be a suckers bet depending on the outcome of the early game.

Montreal isn't going to take it easy regardless as they will not want to go into the playoffs on a three game losing streak.

Ravi wrote:

ziggy wrote:Two teams could be fielded by Motreal. The one needed to clinch first if Winnipeg loses or the one fielded to protect the veterans if Winnipeg wins. Could be a suckers bet depending on the outcome of the early game.

Montreal isn't going to take it easy regardless as they will not want to go into the playoffs on a three game losing streak.

That is an interesting point, however if they have first clinched I don't see that as the priority as having the week off to heal and address their EDF opponent may offset that urgency.

Rammer wrote:

Ravi wrote: Montreal isn't going to take it easy regardless as they will not want to go into the playoffs on a three game losing streak.

That is an interesting point, however if they have first clinched I don't see that as the priority as having the week off to heal and address their EDF opponent may offset that urgency.

Lots of uncertainty about playoff positions.

With early declaration of rosters, it seems to me that you declare your strongest roster. If previous results take the pressure off, then you can sub some guys out in games fairly quickly.

Sub out your #1 quarterback, sure. Sub out your #1 running back, sure. More plays off for your top receiver, sure. Not much you can do on defence though. For the most part, those guys have to play. And if you "weaken" your D, the ones left on the field are going to be at great risk of exhaustion and injury.

I don't recall the details of Pinball's situation. He knew his playoff position. He did not dress some starters? This year I don't think a coach is in that position.

Rammer wrote:

Ravi wrote:

ziggy wrote:Two teams could be fielded by Motreal. The one needed to clinch first if Winnipeg loses or the one fielded to protect the veterans if Winnipeg wins. Could be a suckers bet depending on the outcome of the early game.

Montreal isn't going to take it easy regardless as they will not want to go into the playoffs on a three game losing streak.

That is an interesting point, however if they have first clinched I don't see that as the priority as having the week off to heal and address their EDF opponent may offset that urgency.

Except it is impossible for Als to have 1st clinched before game time Saturday as the Bombers hold the tiebreaker and currently sit atop the East. Brink already named Winnipeg's starter for Saturday so not looking good already from a Lions perspective.

SammyGreene wrote: Except it is impossible for Als to have 1st clinched before game time Saturday as the Bombers hold the tiebreaker and currently sit atop the East. Brink already named Winnipeg's starter for Saturday so not looking good already from a Lions perspective.

The Als can't clinch first but Winnipeg would if they beat Calgary. However, given how well Tate and the Stamps have played in the last few weeks, plus Winnipeg (who has been struggling) starting Brink in place of injured BP, the most likely scenario is the Als will be playing to win and secure the EDF in Montreal. We will be in the same boat as I highly doubt BOTH Edmonton and Calgary will lose this week.

Belize City Lion wrote:

SammyGreene wrote: Except it is impossible for Als to have 1st clinched before game time Saturday as the Bombers hold the tiebreaker and currently sit atop the East. Brink already named Winnipeg's starter for Saturday so not looking good already from a Lions perspective.

The Als can't clinch first but Winnipeg would if they beat Calgary. However, given how well Tate and the Stamps have played in the last few weeks, plus Winnipeg (who has been struggling) starting Brink in place of injured BP, the most likely scenario is the Als will be playing to win and secure the EDF in Montreal. We will be in the same boat as I highly doubt BOTH Edmonton and Calgary will lose this week.

Best to go in to the playoffs on your own merits.

One would expect Edmonton to win, and Calgary.

BC is favoured by 3. If we win, we have earned 1st place. If we lose, hmmmmm

I expect us to play well.

WestCoastJoe wrote:

Belize City Lion wrote: The Als can't clinch first but Winnipeg would if they beat Calgary. However, given how well Tate and the Stamps have played in the last few weeks, plus Winnipeg (who has been struggling) starting Brink in place of injured BP, the most likely scenario is the Als will be playing to win and secure the EDF in Montreal. We will be in the same boat as I highly doubt BOTH Edmonton and Calgary will lose this week.

Best to go in to the playoffs on your own merits.

One would expect Edmonton to win, and Calgary.

BC is favoured by 3. If we win, we have earned 1st place. If we lose, hmmmmm

I expect us to play well.

Motivation is always important. Montreal already has a home playoff game locked up but the Lions could be playing to avoid 3rd place depending on what happens with Edmonton and Calgary. Montreal has won two grey cups in a row and may be less hungry. Given how this season started for the Lions, I think finishing first in the west is a very, very, big deal to the players. For Montreal it's meh, been there done that, playoffs are all that matter. For BC, especially the coaches and veteran players, hosting the WDF will be validation.

Advantage BC.

Well, We beat the Al's we head into the playoffs on a high note and we get a bye week.

Al's lost their Tackle Bourne but for us it looks like Keron W won't be playing either which makes it a bit of a push situation.

Having the bye week has not been a big advantage as recent history has shown. However given the recent string of injuries, the Lions could certainly benefit from having a few more days of rest

joe kapp22 wrote:
Al's lost their Tackle Bourne but for us it looks like Keron W won't be playing either which makes it a bit of a push situation.

Receiver Kerry Watkins is also gone for the season

TheLionKing wrote:

joe kapp22 wrote:
Al's lost their Tackle Bourne but for us it looks like Keron W won't be playing either which makes it a bit of a push situation.

Receiver Kerry Watkins is also gone for the season

Al's are so deep at Wr anyway that I did not think he was as big of a loss for them.

Last 3 games have been spectacular in terms of importance, really looking forward to this one as well.