Bellies Edge Saints for Sole Possession of 2nd Place

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When the New Westminster Salmonbellies brought in Tre Leclaire in a pre-season acquisition, they did so knowing he was capable of going off and single-handily winning any game for them. While he wasn't the only standout in New West's 9-6 win over Port Coquitlam, he was a major contributed, scoring six goals to help give New West sole possession of 2nd place with the playoffs just around the corner. 

His first-period hat-trick allowed the 'Bellies to double up the Saints 4-2 going into the final 40 minutes. Two more goals in a tight-checking second period set New West up well for the final frame. The 'Bellies held off a late-period charge, with Erik Kratz allowing just three goals on 20 shots, for the key road win. 

That win gives New West a two-point lead in the standings over the Saints with a game in hand. New West will host back-to-back games at Queens Park Arena in the next few days, when Nanaimo comes to town for a Canada Day matchup, followed by a Langley Thunder team desperate for wins. 

Friday's win was especially important, not for those two contests, but the way the 'Bellies finish out the year with back-to-back road games against rivals Coquitlam and Victoria. The Shamrocks beat the 'Bellies 10-8 in their last matchup. 

Poco is back at it today as they travel to Nanaimo, a potential trap game if they aren't ready to go after an emotional home loss. They have an easier road to the playoffs, however, with games against Burnaby and Langley to round out the season.

Poco does hold the season series over New West - so there is a road to second. If the Saints finish out 3-0, it would give them a 14-5-2 record - good for 30 points. If New West were to go 1-3, the Saints could sneak into that second spot based on head-to-head records.