The AHL has released the schedule for the first round of its Calder Cup Playoffs. Lots of squads are down top players with so many parent clubs still in contention, so the first round is always ripe with upsets. The schedule can be found here.
The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins had the league’s best record, and looks to have their best opportunity at a championship since their inception. Out West, the Chicago Wolves have gone from out of the playoffs and potential loss of affiliate to a dominant 1st seed performance. The action starts on Thursday, April 20th. The first round of semifinals includes a full 16 teams, but the series are only 5 games long.
The quality of play in the AHL only gets better as the years go by, and every hockey fan owes it to him/herself to catch a local playoff game when possible. Future stars and intriguing prospects can be caught up close and personal before they make an impact in the show. In terms of who to keep an eye out for:
San Jose – Daniel O’Regan (C) – 23G 35A
Stockton – Mark Jankowski (C) – 27G 29A
Chicago – Kenny Agostino (LW) – 24G 59A
Hershey – Christian Djoos (D) – 13G 45A
Wilkes-Barre – Casey DeSmith – .926 SV% 2.01 GAA
Providence – Zane McIntyre – .930 SV% 2.03 GAA
Sheesh DeSmith gives the Pens potentially another young goalie with starter potential alongside Murray and Jarry.