AHL playoffs
The American Hockey League playoffs get underway Wednesday, with the Manchester Monarchs playing in one of the three Wednesday games. Sixteen teams make the AHL playoffs and they're seeded in four divisional brackets. Manchester, which finished with the most points in the Atlantic Divison, will play fourth-seeded Worcester in the best-of-seven series. The Monarchs finished with the second-most points in the AHL this season, behind the defending champion Hershey Bears.
Here's a look at the playoffs, with the teams' affiliations added:
ATLANTIC DIVISION
No. 1 Manchester (Kings) vs. No. 4 Worcester (Sharks)
No. 2 Hartford (Rangers) vs. No. 3 Providence (Bruins)
EAST DIVISION
No. 1 Hershey (Capitals) vs. No. 4 Albany (Hurricanes, Avalanche)
No. 2 Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (Penguins) vs. No. 3 Norfolk (Blackhawks)
NORTH DIVISION
No. 1 Manitoba (Canucks) vs. No. 4 Grand Rapids (Red Wings, Oilers)
No. 2 Rochester (Sabres, Panthers) vs. No. 3 Hamilton (Canadiens, Oilers)
WEST DIVISION
No. 1 Omaha (Flames) vs. No. 4 Iowa (Stars, Oilers)
No. 2 Chicago (Thrashers) vs. No. 3 Milwaukee (Predators, Oilers)
Manchester will be trying to win a first-round series for the first time in its six-season history. For those wondering, Brian Boyle has been playing center for the Monarchs, but that doesn't necessarily preclude him from playing defense next season, wherever he plays. You can bet Boyle will get a long look at the prospects camp.
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About Rich Hammond
Rich Hammond has covered the Kings, on a full-time or part-time basis, since the 2000-01 season. He was the beat writer for the entire John Torchetti era and has witnessed Bob Miller singing country music in a Nashville honky-tonk bar. A native of Los Angeles, Rich has worked at the Daily News since 1999 and also serves as the paper's deputy sports editor. E-mail Rich at rich.hammond@dailynews.com.
Hi Rich
Do you know if Scott Parse has been confirmed on the Grand Rapids playoff roster? will be interesting to see how he goes if he does play (thinking ahead to contract negotiations with LA...)
Do you know if any of these games will be televised?
Glad to see the Monarchs have done so well with the young Kings. Hopefully they dont hit a brick wall.
GO BRIAN!!!! Get yer first goal!
as for Darren's question. There is an online service called the B2 Network that makes games available for a per game charge. Personally, I just listen for free (radio broadcast.)
www.monarchshockey.com has all the links.
www.theahl.com is a good site to follow the scores as well.
Thanks Marc...I agree that the AHL website is good at updating in-game scores. I've yet to try the audio but might today. I believe the per-game cost is $6, which is a bit steep in my opinion. I've checked by DirecTV listings and can't find any upcoming AHL games. If I see any, I'll post details.
Hey Rich
I love your web site. I am always looking for updates on the Kings and their prospects. I was wondering if you knew the latest on LaBarbera and who is starting in net tonight? GO MONARCHS!!!
About Scott Parse, Even though the Kings are having difficulties signing him, wouldn't it have made sense to ink him to a tryout contract with the Monarch's for now instead of letting him sign w/ the G.R. Griffins?
Mark...yes, it would have made sense for Manchester to sign Parse. The fact that Parse chose to sign with a different AHL team, well, you can read between the lines as to how poorly negotiations were going at the time...
Thanks Rich...Thats what I suspected but was kinda hoping for a different reason. A shrewd move on Parse's part, considering that playing outside the Kings organization will put him on the radar of a lot more teams. So then, how long do the Kings have to sign him before he becomes a free agent and/or re-enters the draft?