EDMONTON — After struggling to close out tight games this season, the reality for the Edmonton Elks is clear — beat the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Saturday night or pretty much forget about making the CFL playoffs.
A loss would not officially eliminate the 5-9 Elks, who lost their last two games by a combined three points — making it four losses this season of four points or fewer. And with their final three games against West Division teams, it could be argued they still control their fate.
But the Elks are 1-5 against West opponents, which puts added emphasis on the importance of a win Saturday at home when an estimated 30,000 fans are expected, the largest Commonwealth Stadium crowd this season.
“Absolutely this is a win or die game,” said linebacker Joel Dublanko, who had a career-