So, now, you have to know if you want to get a chance in the final against the sonics or not... and this depends of this game... if you don't take risk on this game you will play for the second place.... and therefore start a collection of grey trophees ;-))
That happened to me in the first few seasons I was in the 1st division. Even though I was slightly better then the others, I wanted to increase my chances still by TIEing the second best team, to get a better chance against the best team. Unlucky, the other team always thought it would be his last game and went for all (understandable) , giving a free championship to the other finalist (since there was no PO-tactics, so crunch meant a fierce hit on enthousiasm).
To me I calculated If I would play TIE - and then finals, I would have a 70% win - 80% win chance, while if I would play normal - then finals, I would have a 90% - 60% chance of winning. I always opted for the first choice, and always got beaten.

Eventually I learned the lesson and grabbed the trophy anyway.
In short: In Joe's place, I would probably play PO-normal, but it wouldn't be the wisest decision.
They are not your friends; they dispise you. I am the only one you can count on. Trust me.