As far as the playoff picture was concerned, the Rupert Rampage's season-ender was inconsequential for both them and the visiting Smithers Steelheads.
But from a morale standpoint, after a so-so season and some disappointing recent losses, a win went a long way.
The Rampage were out for blood early in the Feb. 1 matchup at the Jim Ciccone Civic Centre popping off their first goal within the first five minutes. By the end of the first period, they would lead 4-2 on goals were by Judd Repole (2), Hunter Johnson and Kory Movold.
They would add to the lead in the second on a marker by Tyler Halliday, the only goal of the period at 12:37.
Most of the third was also scoreless before Jean-Luc Rendell-Fournier made it 6-2 for the home team with four minutes left.
Smithers put one more on the board in the waning moments for a final score of 6-3.
The Steelheads will face the Williams Lakes Stampeders in Round 1 of the playoffs. The Stamps, who had maintained first place in the east for most of the season, stumbled on the weekend allowing the Quesnel Kangaroos to earn the first-place bye into the division championship series.
Prince Rupert will face the Hazelton Wolverines who won seven games in a row to finish the season putting up 78 goals, more than 10 per game on average.
Hazelton has had the Rampage's number in recent years having swept them two years in a row in the opening round of the playoffs.