It wouldn’t be the playoffs without stories of players playing games in pain. In some cases, though, the pain is unbearable.

For the third consecutive playoff game Tuesday, Lewiston will be without forwards Vladislav Balaz and Gabriel Balasescu, and defenseman Bobby Gates. Balaz had a noticeable limp at the awards banquet last week.

Balasescu remains sidelined, also with a leg injury, and Gates continues to suffer from post-concussion syndrome.

Brandon Roach left the game early Saturday, and his condition is listed as day-to-day, while two other blueliners, Jonathan Paiement and Francis Trudel, are playing hurt.

With the rash of injuries, the Maineiacs will call up at least one player this week, perhaps two, to fill the roster spots.

With forward Denis Fecteau playing for his AAA team Sunday and Monday, the choices are, according to the team Monday, now down to Brett Woodland and Mathieu Lemire, while defensemen Steve Holland and Maxime Brunet are also possibilities.

Bruins raffle

The newly-formed Lewiston Maineiacs Education Foundation will get a much-needed boost this week, thanks to Mary Desjardin of Keller Williams Realty.

Desjardin has donated two Premium Club Suite tickets for the upcoming Boston Bruins game against the Montreal Canadiens at the Fleet Center for a raffle or an auction at Tuesday’s Maineiacs game.

The proceeds of the raffle will benefit the new foundation, aimed at helping the Maineiacs with scholarship money after they finish playing in the league.

Whiteout at the Colisee

It worked in Winnipeg, but not so much in Phoenix. Now, Maineiacs officials are hoping that what they call one of the “best promotions in professional sports” will work at the Colisee on Tuesday and Wednesday.

According to the front office, the two home playoff games are “Whiteout Games,” during which they encourage fans to dress in white.

As part of the promotion, the staff will also be dressed in white suits, creating a giant mass of screaming fans. The idea, according to the team’s release, is to mimic the team’s attempt to dye their hair “platinum white” for the playoffs.

Tickets still available

As of Monday afternoon, approximately 1,500 tickets remained on sale for Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s games at the Colisee in the best-of-seven series.

Tickets will be on sale at the Colisee box office or by phone at 783-2009.

jpelletier@sunjournal.com

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