OAKVILLE, ON - JAN 6, 2018: Ontario Junior Hockey League game between the Oakville Blades and the Markham Royals. Jonathan Entelisano #61 of the Markham Royals uses his speed to get back into play.

Written By Rino Mattucci      Photo by Spencer Smye / OJHL Images

FEB 09, 2018: With 6 of the 8 teams officially marked in the North-East Conference playoff picture, it comes down to jockeying for positions in the final two weeks of the Regular season for both the Markham Royals (25-18-1-4) and the Pickering Panthers (23-22-1-2) who will face-off tonight at the Pickering Recreation Complex.

The Royals are holding down the 5th seed in the Conference, 4 points behind the Kingston Voyageurs and 3 points ahead of the Cobourg Cougars. The Panthers are currently in 7th place, 3 points behind Cobourg and 1 point ahead of Trenton and all teams have played 48 games (except Kingston, 47 games played) as of writing. To say the two points on the line tonight in Pickering are critical would be an understatement for both teams.

The Panthers are on a roll of late, having won 7 of their last 8 games and have outscored opponents by a combined 17-4 in their last 3 games moving them up the standings in the North-East. They hold the season series lead over the Royals after winning their first two games this season, while the Royals took the last game in overtime.

Markham meanwhile is coming off a tough loss to the Aurora Tigers on Sunday afternoon, in a game that saw a little bit of everything for both clubs. The Royals though have had a couple days to refocus, with the final stretch of the season kicks into high gear they will need to be ready for a couple of big divisional games coming up if they want to have a chance at home ice advantage in the first round.

Other games to watch for tonight in the North-East conference playoff picture; Stouffville is in Aurora, Newmarket is in Lindsay, and Kingston travels to Trenton.

Game time tonight at the Pickering Recreation Complex is at 7:30pm, if you are heading to the game please be aware of the weather and drive according to road conditions.

Royals Watch
#61 JT Entelisano - When the Royals were down in their game against Aurora, Entelisano stepped up and tried to give his comrades a momentum boost. Throughout the season JT has been the Royals energy man, creating havoc for opposing players and opening up opportunities for his teammates.

Past Results
VS Pickering
09/08/17    Pickering 5 at Markham 4
11/12/17    Markham 2 at Pickering 4
12/17/17    Pickering 2 at Markham 3 OT

By the Numbers
Record
Markham - 25-18-1-4
Pickering - 23-22-1-2

Goals For / Goals Against
Markham - 181 / 167
Pickering - 163 / 147

Special Teams (PP / PK)
Markham - 34 for 209 (16.3%) / 39 for 218 (82.1%)
Pickering - 47 for 260 (18.1%) / 37 for 215 (82.8%)