Team Canada is into the playoffs at the World Curling Championship in Switzerland.

But that doesn’t lessen the importance of their final two games of the regular schedule today.

Canada, represented by Brad Gushue’s Newfoundland and Labrador rink, has an 8-2 record entering play today. They take on 3-and-7 Japan this morning and host Switzerland (6-4) this afternoon, which is fighting for a playoff spot themselves.

Two wins today would all-but guarantee Gushue a bye to the semi-finals, while a loss or two would make for a tougher road to the final.

The top six teams advance to the playoffs, with the top two teams receiving byes. Any ties in the standings are decided by head-to-head records, followed by draw-to-the-button shootout scores. There are no tie-breaking games.

Gushue did beat Scotland this week but lost to Sweden and Italy, which are also in the playoff mix.

Canada’s game versus Japan starts at 9:30 this morning while this afternoon’s match against Switzerland goes at 2:30.