Last evening was the final regular season game for my defending champs. For the first time in three years they didn’t win their division but there remains an upside, they’re heading to the playoffs for the third year in a row making them five for six which is pretty impressive for newer team. I was reviewing their point totals too, it’s also their fifth season when they’ve finished out with 92 or more points. I think having 14 overtime losses (one was a shootout) helped this year.
They’re off to the first round but sadly I won’t make the initial game, I have tickets to see Patton Oswalt at the Parmount. The second is in the air too. What are their chances at advancing to the second round? Personally I think it depends upon the defensive situation and who’s in goal. I prefer Rynnas because he doesn’t have the Roman (or Roamin’) Cechmanek problem if being out of the crease too often. Plus we’ve had numerous turnovers when the defensemen fail to pinch. Yesterday was an easy example when they let the Rampage score a short-handed goal.
The Rockford Icehogs aren’t going to be a pushover so our guys better bring their A game. If we lose the best of five, I’ll be bummed but I know my budget will be relieved and I can focus on Summer for an extra two months.