Ticats must beat best from the West

Slim playoff hopes rest on defeating Stampeders, who are coming off a bye week

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 against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (10-4). But on Friday night, the Ticats will host the Calgary Stampeders (league-best 12-1-1).

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 against 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. (2423) as well as last Friday night versus Winnipeg.

Toronto (7-8) leads the East Division, one point ahead of Ottawa (69-1). 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 have been eliminated from playoff contention.

Toronto can clinch a playoff spot with a Calgary win Friday night or by defeating the Edmonton Eskimos at Commonwealth Stadium on Saturday. The Argos would secure home field for the East final with a victory and if the Saskatchewan Roughriders defeat Ottawa on Friday.

An Ottawa win over Saskatchewan and Calgary victory against Hamilton would give the Redblacks a home playoff game.

Despite owning the league’s best record, Calgary still has much to play for. A win over Hamilton and Winnipeg loss to B.C. on Saturday would give the Stampeders home-field advantage for the West Division final.

But the Bombers could secure a playoff berth with a win or tie against the Lions. Winnipeg would clinch at least second in the West Division with a win and losses by both Saskatchewan and Edmonton. The Riders and Eskimos would both secure at least a crossover playoff spot by winning their games and having B.C. lose its contest. In that scenario, the Lions would also be eliminated from playoff contention.

Finally, if Hamilton loses to Calgary, the fourth-place finisher in the West is assured of the crossover.