They didnt go down without a fight forcing overtime but falling 4-3 in the extra session. Not a horrible season in the end but definitely not aided by the big club’s constant need to poach it’s talent to fill holes due to injury, suspension, and trades. When the Coyotes declared themselves sellers at the trade deadline it marked the start of several long flight from Phoenix to Portland and vice versa.

Remaining bright spots were Chad Johnson and Alexander Bolduc who both played well enough to be considered full time with Phoenix next season. It should mark a minature rebuilding effort where Phoenix tries to find an offensive identity. Rhythm and consistency is badly needed for both clubs and through the draft and free agency both the Coyotes and Pirates will be defined.

Overtime saw both teams get quality chances to end the game. Chad Johnson made some key saves, keeping the season alive for Portland. The Pirates were out shot 15-4 in the overtime period, and 45-18 total for the game. With just 16.2 seconds left in the overtime period, Palat struck again, picking up a loose rebound off a Taormina shot to end the Pirates’ season, and give the Crunch a 4-3 victory and series sweep.

Onto an off season which will be defined by what the Coyotes need first then the talent left over will once again rally together and try to return for a deeper run in the 13-14 season.

Miele, Bolduc, and Nick Johnson all scored in the season’s finale and you will be seeing a lot more of those names in the future if you are a fan of Portland or Phoenix. I love the young talent and although both teams experienced very little as far as a post season….brighter days will come.

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.