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.

Phoenix Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney announced today that the Coyotes have recalled defenseman Michael Stone from the Portland Pirates, the Coyotes American Hockey League affiliate (AHL).

Mar 24, 2012; San Jose, CA, USA; Phoenix Coyotes defenseman Michael Stone (26) steps into the penalty box during the first period against the San Jose Sharks Jason O. Watson-USA TODAY Sports

The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Stone has appeared in 33 games with the Pirates this season collecting 6-16-22 and 16 penalty minutes (PIM). Stone ranks tied for second among Pirates’ defensemen in goals and ranks second in assists and points. He leads all Pirate blueliners with five power-play goals.

In 2011-12, the 22-year-old native of Winnipeg, Manitoba recorded 9-13-22 and 24 PIM in 51 games with the Pirates. He also appeared in 13 games with the Coyotes last season, collecting 1-2-3.

Stone was drafted by the Coyotes in the third round (69th overall) in the 2008 Entry Draft. He showed promise last season with the club.

Social media was a buzz of the Coyotes early season struggles. If the people online are talking about it, you would bet the Coyotes brass were as well. The move seemed necessary to solidify the blue line. Loaded with talent Runblad will have to wait for another shot to rejoin the team. Paul Bisonette also seemed to struggle but he dropped the gloves and brought energy.

The Coyotes also reassigned defenseman David Rundblad to Portland. Rundblad appeared in 30 games with the Pirates last season, recording 7-9-16 and 27 PIM.

Coyotes take the ice Wednesday night a 8pm at Jobing.com and look to get into the win column vs the Columbus Blue Jackets. Columbus has a win and a shootout loss last night vs the Red Wings.