Clinches secured, but the final playoff berth is a nail-biter. Watch as teams battle for every point to make the postseason cut.
The ECHL Mountain Division race is coming down to the wire, and while the top of the division is already decided, the battle for the final playoff spots remains one of the tightest races in the league.
Kansas City Clinches, Idaho Comfortable
The Kansas City Mavericks have dominated the Mountain Division all season and have already clinched both a playoff berth and the division title, sitting far ahead of the rest of the league with over 100 points. Their consistent offense and league-best record have made them one of the favorites to compete for the Kelly Cup.
The Idaho Steelheads sit comfortably in second place and have also secured a playoff spot. Idaho has been one of the more consistent teams in the division and should enter the postseason as a dangerous matchup, especially given their offensive production this season.
Allen is in Control of the Third
The Allen Americans currently hold the third playoff position and control their own fate. Allen has built a cushion over the teams below them, but they still need to finish strong to avoid getting pulled into the race for the final spot.
Final Playoff Spot: Tahoe in the Driver’s Seat
Tahoe's Devon Paliani, leading the team in points, during a play against Rapid City Rush. Photo Credit: Tahoe Knight MonstersThe most intense battle is for the fourth and final playoff spot, where the Tahoe Knight Monsters currently hold the position. Tahoe has put itself in a strong position, but cannot afford a late-season collapse with multiple teams still within striking distance.
Teams Still Alive
Several teams remain mathematically alive in the race:
Rapid City Rush
Wichita Thunder
These teams are separated by only a small margin in the standings, meaning a single hot streak — or a bad weekend — could completely change the playoff picture.
What to Watch
The Mountain Division race will likely come down to head-to-head matchups in the final weeks of the season. Games between Tahoe, Rapid City, Wichita, Utah, and Tulsa will essentially be playoff games before the playoffs begin.
Kansas City has already locked up the division, Idaho looks safe, and Allen is close — but the final spot in the Mountain Division is still wide open, and it may not be decided until the final weekend of the regular season.