TORONTO - Just two games separate the Ryerson Rams from their postseason quest for the Queen's Cup. The York Lions visit Ryerson on Wednesday morning before the Rams hit the road against the Windsor Lancers on Friday. 

While the Toronto Varsity Blues clinched the top spot in the OUA West last week, the Rams will look to maintain their two-point lead for second over the Guelph Gryphons. Cementing the second seed looks especially promising for Ryerson considering their game in hand over Guelph. The Gryphons are also in for a challenge in their last remaining game, facing Toronto on Friday in a clash between two powerhouses. 

Meanwhile, the Rams are on a five-game point streak after their upset 3-2 overtime defeat at the hands of Laurier last Thursday. The squad is in for a unique challenge on Wednesday, with puck drop at 11:00 a.m. in accordance the Rams' school-day schedule. 

York is coming in hot on a two-game win streak including a 3-1 victory over the Brock Badgers. While the Lions are not a playoff team, they have come dangerously close to beating Ryerson. In their two matches earlier in the season, the Rams snuck by with two separate one-goal victories. 

The Lancers have had less success against the Rams this season. While Windsor is playoff-bound, they are 1-1-0 facing Ryerson with their single victory coming from a shootout back in October of 2019. In their last two games, the Lancers have sacrificed an astonishing 16 goals. Their 2020 has been rocky as a whole as the Windsor squad has just two wins in the new year. 

If the OUA playoffs were to start tonight, the Rams would be taking on the Lakehead Thunderwolves in round one. However, with four teams buzzing within four points of one another, little can be guaranteed. 

As of last Thursday, head coach Johnny Duco is confident entering the postseason. "I like the way we're playing. I think we've been playing well since we've come back from the (December) break. I think if we keep playing this sound, defensive hockey we're going to have success."

Last week, skaters Hayden McCool (Whitby, Ont.) and Jared Walsh (Toronto) returned from injury. "We're a hard team to play against," added Duco. 

Gregory DiTomaso (Etobicoke, Ont.) and Devon Paliani (LaSalle, Ont.) are riding five-game point streaks, and commented on the Rams' unity heading into the postseason. 

DiTomaso focused on Ryerson's complete game. "I think we're winning in different ways this year. When we stick to our structure it gives other teams fits. In previous years I've been here it's been like a shoot-out, so (there's) a little more confidence here."

Meanwhile, Rams veteran Paliani focused on the bond outside the locker room. "I think we're closer. With this group here, we've done a good job with having little team hangouts and just bonding, getting closer."

Ryerson students can attend Wednesday's matinee at Mattamy Home Ice for free with their OneCard, or stream both games live at OUA.TV. Puck drop in Windsor is set for 7:30 p.m. on Friday. All OUA West playoff matchups will be determined after the last day of action on Saturday.