CFL Power Rankings: Stampeders' streak marred by tragedy

Malcolm Kelly breaks down the balance of power in the Canadian Football League.

1. Calgary Stampeders (unchanged)

Overall Record: 11-1-1

Streak: Unbeaten in 12

Next: At Hamilton

The Stampeders were at full gallop in the first half against Winnipeg, but the Bombers caught up and took the lead after Calgary's defence lost its concentration. Enter a less-than-100 per cent Rene Paredes, who after QB Bo Mitchell brought him to 52 yards out, gutted through a winning field goal. Will he be available for the coming week against the Tiger-Cats? Mitchell was already over 100 yards passing at the nine minute mark, and wound up 29 of 43 for 361 yards and two TDs, but couldn't keep the consistency as the visitors adapted. Now, with the tragic death of backup DB Mylan Hicks, Calgary's players will have to go the difficult task of refocusing for a tough matchup.

2. B.C. Lions (unchanged)

Overall record: 8-4-0

Streak: Lost 1

Next: Ottawa

For 20 minutes, those two weeks off didn't seem to dull the Lions' attack as QB Jonathon Jennings worked some magic with Manny Arceneaux for two TDs, including a pretty 68-yard score. Edmonton had it all back by halftime, leaving a dishwater-dull second-half performance from the West Coast attack as the legacy of this loss. Key moment came while still leading 14-7 in the second quarter when Anthony Gaitor's pick gave Leos the ball back in their own territory, only to have the offence actually move backward and eventually punt. B.C.'s defence then allowed a long drive that tied the game. Only two field goals and a single in the second half, and Jennings tossed a key interception just before the three-minute warning that led to an Eskimos field goal.

3. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (unchanged)

Overall record: 8-5

Streak: Lost 1

Next: Edmonton

Jeff Mathews stepped up with 1:44 to go and took Winnipeg on an impressive march that brought the club back from 24-0 down to take the lead. Yes, they lost to Calgary on a last-second field goal, but this game told you everything you need to know about coach Mike O'Shea's team: it plays with pride, will not quit and is a threat to anyone. When a strong club like the Stamps have the bit in their teeth, putting a little worry in them is a good thing. Scaring the crap out of the rest of the league is even better. Badly outclassed in the first half, Big Blue made the adjustments necessary and came out to play. Young RB Timothy Flanders was impressive with 95 yards, including a 50-yard romp. Great seeing receivers Weston Dressler and Ryan Smith together after injury struggles.

4. Ottawa Redblacks (up from 5)

Overall record: 6-5-1

Streak: Won 1

Next: At B.C.

Ottawa dominated the game against Toronto, but the score was far lower than it should have been. It must be getting frustrating for the coaches, especially with the season's key games coming. When you settle for five field goals instead of majors, trouble is around the corner. A blocked punt by Argos late in the half and one decent drive in the fourth had the visitors right in this one when half the crowd should have been happily on its way to the OC Transpo. Great defence saved these key two points. To be fair to Trevor Harris (25 for 35 for 274 yards and no TDs or picks), his excellent receiving corps had an unusual case of the drops.

5. Edmonton Eskimos (up from 6)

Overall record: 6-7

Streak: Won 1

Next: At Winnipeg

Around the three-minute mark of the second quarter, the Green and Gold decided a playoff spot was a good idea. Outplayed badly to that point and trailing by two TDs, the offence woke up, resulting in a win and a two-point lead on Toronto for a post-season berth (they must maintain it as a tie eliminates the crossover.) Those two clubs will meet in Edmonton on the season's final weekend. The Lions were tearing the secondary apart in the first 20 minutes and a blowout seemed possible until the defence worked it out, giving QB Mike Reilly time to get things going. He used RB Shakir Bell 23 times for 108 yards and Reilly eventually completed 24 passes for 300 yards. Two late FGs, the second off a fine Deon Lacey pick, sealed it.

6. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (Down from 4)

Overall record: 6-7

Streak: Lost 1

Next: Calgary

When your offence is riddled with injuries (RB C.J. Gable, receivers Chad Owens and Luke Tasker), the defence needs to take charge, especially when the attack has put enough points on the board for a victory just outside three minutes. So what were the Tabbies doing giving up 450 yards net and allowing the backup QB to lead an 11-play, pitty-patty drive into field-goal range where the two points disappeared through the uprights as time expired. Saskatchewan is improving, and playing better defence, but this is still what the modern world calls "less than optimal." QB Zach Collaros had a better day than last week, and Jeremiah Masoli's 21-yard scamper for that late score was a beauty. Calgary lies ahead, and the defence must step up.

7. Toronto Argonauts (unchanged)

Overall record: 5-8

Streak: Lost 2

Next: At Montreal

Scott Milanovich asked his special teams during practice last week to pull together and put in a strong performance against Ottawa. They responded by allowing Jamill Smith to run a missed field goal back 109 yards for a first quarter major. Then there was the 5.7 average on Toronto punt returns. This would have been key to the loss, if not for the fact this offence reminds me of the Boatmen from the mid-1970s...this is a bad thing. QB Dan LeFevour started and piled up 72 yards on 13 completions before Drew Willy made his debut early in the third quarter. He was much better at 16-of-24 for 153 and gives Toronto something not seen all season: a deep threat. His ball now; this club needs wins, and two of its final five are against Calgary.

8. Saskatchewan Roughriders (unchanged)

Overall record: 3-10

Streak: Won 2

Next: Bye

How about that? How about QB Darian Durant piling up 326 yards in just three quarter, before smacking his head on the turf and having to leave for concussion protocol (he'll be back after the bye). How about the defence giving up big yards all night but making enough key plays to give the Riders a chance to win against Hamilton? Or backup QB Mitchell Gale, coming on in the fourth, taking his club on a nine-play drive to the winning touchdown? Gale completed five consecutive passes on that final drive, then ran the next five himself (for a total of 12 yards) before Tyler Crapigna kicked the winner. Green guys totaled 450 yards of offence. It's key for this franchise to show itself, and those fans, that brighter days are ahead. Like this.

9. Montreal Alouettes (unchanged - bye)

Overall record: 3-9

Streak: Lost 4

Next: Toronto

Jacques Chapdelaine begins his six-game audition for head coach with a home date vs. desperate Toronto, hoping to create some excitement in a city already concentrating full time on the Canadiens. Never the life of the party in any room, Chapdelaine is a football lifer who concentrates on the game and makes demands on his club — practice will be no lark. During two stints as offensive coordinator in B.C. (where he won two Grey Cup rings), whenever something went wrong with the attack everyone blamed him, and he would simply keep moving along. He can take it. The Montreal Gazette reports the opening workouts were crisp, sharp, well organized. Rakeem Cato continues at QB, for now. OC Anthony Calvillo has been moved off the sidelines to upstairs and Chapdelaine will call the plays.