AHL: Pirates to Battle Crunch in Eastern Quarterfinals
By Troy Baker
Portland Pirates to Face Syracuse Crunch in Eastern Conference Quarterfinals
That’s the big affiliate headline and some good news this season as the boys are playing some good hockey even with the Coyotes needing some of their top guys.
The Pirates have had several pieces called up and sent down due to injury or need from Glendale. Long trip as well to have a cup of coffee then return at times. They have all been very professional and when given the opportunity they have mostly flourished. Chad Johnson has filled in nicely when needed for Mike Smith. The defensemen position has been a revolving door with injuries to Schlemko, Klesla, and Michalek. So here’s wishing the Pirates well going forward this month and into the semi-finals if all goes well.
Here is the schedule of the playoffs:
Portland Pirates (6) vs. Syracuse Crunch (3) – Eastern Conference Quarterfinals
Game 1 – Saturday, Apr. 27, 7:30 p.m. War Memorial at Oncenter
Game 2 – Sunday, Apr. 28, 7:30 p.m., War Memorial at Oncenter
Game 3 – Thursday, May 2, 7 p.m., Cumberland County Civic Center
Game 4 – Friday, May 3, 7 p.m., Cumberland County Civic Center (if necessary)
Game 5 – Sunday, May 5, 7:30 p.m., War Memorial at Oncenter (if necessary)
Hopefully the big club can join them into the post season. If they have any hopes to do so the first step is the hated Red Wings tomorrow in Joe Louis arena.
By the time Portland plays it’s first playoff game the Coyotes will have their fates decided and will either head home from Anaheim singing the blues or with renewed hope and the Chicago Blackhawks once again in their cross hairs. Last season even with having the higher seed the Blackhawks were the series favorite. No one told Mike Smith and the Phoenix Coyotes though as they hit them hard and out of the playoffs.
One thing’s for sure is after this last game, Chicago wants nothing to do with us.