AHL Playoff Preview

Manchester Monarchs Vs. Norfolk Admirals 

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It took a two-game sweep of the Hershey Bears, but the Admirals were able to clinch a playoff birth into the AHL playoffs on good Friday. It was a crazy season filled with ups and downs, however the Admirals were able to fight and claw against the divisional opponents to get back into the postseason. After the Admirals lost John Gibson to the NHL the pressure fell squarely on their bench-warming netminder Brad Thiessen, who will look to prove he’s more than just Gibson’s back-up this postseason. However, recent reports state the Ducks will send Gibson back down to the Admirals for their playoff run. With Gibson between the pipes, a strong and speedy core with nothing to lose, the Admirals could be a team to watch.

The Monarchs are one of the franchises rumoured to be involved in the move out west. The Monarchs finished their season on Friday and led the Atlantic Division with 105 points earning them the Easter Conference title. They had to wait until Saturday night to learn their opponents for their first round playoff action. The good news for the Monarchs is the fact their captain, Andrew Campbell, will be back on the ice with them for the playoffs after a stint with the Los Angeles Kings. Jordan Weal was voted the team MVP with 76 points in 70 games. The Monarchs will need Weal and Campbell to play big roles if they are too fend off the tough Admirals.