8:00 PM: Haya (Grey) vs Ihsan (Teal):
After a week off what a way to get back into things. This is for sure the must-see-game of the night. What is at stake is the last and final remaining spot for the 2018 I-Slam Hockey Playoffs. Ihsan needs to outright win this game to qualify whereas Haya just can’t lose (meaning a tie will suffice). The last time these times met Haya came flying out of the gates and took a 4-0 lead into the second half. Ihsan though did battle back and scored three goals in the second half in a valiant attempt to make an impressive comeback. Circumstances for tonight is a lot different. Two weeks ago both Ihsan’s Ahmad Mobin and Haya’s Shuaib Hussein both left their respective games with a lower body injury. Given the magnitude of this game both gms aren’t revealing much. Nonetheless, one of these teams can pack away their equipment until Salaam Cup after this game.
9:00 PM: Ridah (Blue) vs Sabr (Yellow):
In Week 9, Imran Lakhanpal scored the goal to send Ridha to the playoffs. Now they await the winner of the Haya-Ihsan game to see who their wildcard opponent will be. It would appear that this game is not significant for Ridha but it would be good for them psychologically to prove to themselves that they can beat Sabr as the path to the I-Slam Cup runs through them (Note: Ridha lost to Sabr in Week 4, 4-2). For Sabr, we will be watching to see if Waqar Khan can win the double-crown, winning both the overall scoring race and as well as the top goal-scorer award. A rare feat and quite the accomplishment which will most likely also earn him Regular Season MVP honours. As well their goaltender, Ibad Khan can make a stronger argument for The Best Goaltender Award with a win and possibly finish as the leader in this category (amongst goalies). Lastly, finishing first overall out of the eight teams does come with its perks, such as being the home team throughout the playoffs and getting the last change - an advantage for teams that look to line-match.
10:00 PM: Ikhlas (Green) vs Yaqeen (White):
Team Ikhlas knew for a few weeks now that this will be their last day. In Week 9 they showed that they weren’t just going to mail it in but rather enjoy the moment, battling hard with Emaan for a 3-3 tie. With rumours swirling of a potential Mecca vs Medina allstar game this is the last opportunity for the Ikhlas players to make the case that they belong in that game. With regards to Yaqeen it is all about getting some momentum heading into their wildcard game against Emaan next week. You do not want to be doubting yourself at this time of the year.
11:00 PM: Shukr (Red) vs Emaan (Orange):
Emaan knows next week they will be facing Yaqeen in the wildcard game with the winner facing Shukr in a best of 2 semi-final series. Akin to Ridha’s situation at 9 pm, Emaan could put some fear into the hearts of Shukr and give them something to think about next week by beating them. Also, similar to Yaqeen, you want to be firing on all cylinders heading into the playoffs. With the recent addition of Sajid Khan, this game does allow Emaan to help integrate him into the lineup in perfect timing for the playoffs. For Shukr, beating Emaan tonight would give them a huge mental advantage should these teams meet in the semi-finals. Consider it as winning the war before it even starts. Let’s also not forget depending on the results of the 9 pm game, Shukr might be playing for first overall in the entire league. On an individual note, if Shukr is able to win there would be a strong case for their goaltender, Fahad Mohammad to win The Best Goaltender Award as he would lead the league in sv%, gaa and wins. Perhaps even Regular Season MVP?
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