Difficult test

Ticats face stiff challenge to keep playoff push going versus Stampeders

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats face a difficult test in continuing their late-season playoff push. Hamilton (4-10) has climbed into playoff contention in the East Division with four wins in its last six games, including last weekend’s impressive 30-13 road victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (10-4). But on Friday night, the Ticats will host the Calgary Stampeders (league-best 12-1-1 record).

Not only is Calgary a stellar 6-1 versus the East Division this season, but it’s also 5-1-1 away from McMahon Stadium, also a league best. The Stampeders have outscored Eastern opposition by a whopping 183-99 margin.

What’s more, fatigue shouldn’t be a factor as Calgary heads to Hamilton coming off a bye week following a 59-11 home win over Montreal on Sept. 29. On July 29, the Stampeders embarrassed the Ticats 60-1 at McMahon Stadium.

Hamilton is just 2-7 against the West Division this season but those wins came Sept 22 against B.C. (24-23) as well as last Friday night versus Winnipeg.

Toronto (7-8) leads the East Division, one point ahead of Ottawa (6-9-1). The Argonauts finish up with games against three West Division opponents but do hold the tie-breaker against the Redblacks and Ticats. Hamilton has a game in hand on Toronto and two on Ottawa and faces the Redblacks on Oct. 27.

Two of the Ticats’ final four regular-season games will also be against the Montreal Alouettes (3-12), who’ve been eliminated from playoff contention.