Atlantic Division Semifinal – Series “A” (best-of-7)

A1-Providence Bruins vs. A4-Manchester Monarchs

Game 1 – Wed., Apr. 16 – PROVIDENCE 3, Manchester 2 (OT)

Game 2 – Fri., Apr. 18 – Manchester at Providence, 7:05

Game 3 – Sat., Apr. 19 – Providence at Manchester, 7:05

Game 4 – Mon., Apr. 21 – Providence at Manchester, 7:05

*Game 5 – Fri., Apr. 25 – Manchester at Providence, 7:05

*Game 6 – Sat., Apr. 26 – Manchester at Providence, 7:05

*Game 7 – Mon., Apr. 28 – Providence at Manchester, 7:05

Atlantic Division Semifinal – Series “B” (best-of-7)

A2-Hartford Wolf Pack vs. A3-Portland Pirates

Game 1 – Wed., Apr. 16 – HARTFORD 3, Portland 1

Game 2 – Thu., Apr. 17 – Portland at Hartford, 7:00

Game 3 – Sat., Apr. 19 – Hartford at Portland, 7:05

Game 4 – Sun., Apr. 20 – Hartford at Portland, 6:05

*Game 5 – Tue., Apr. 22 – Portland at Hartford, 7:00

*Game 6 – Thu., Apr. 24 – Hartford at Portland, 7:05

*Game 7 – Sat., Apr. 26 – Portland at Hartford, 7:00

East Division Semifinal – Series “C” (best-of-7)

E1-W-B/Scranton Penguins vs. E4-Hershey Bears

Game 1 – Wed., Apr. 16 – W-B/Scranton 2, HERSHEY 1 (OT)

Game 2 – Sat., Apr. 19 – Hershey at W-B/Scranton, 7:05

Game 3 – Sun., Apr. 20 – Hershey at W-B/Scranton, 5:05

Game 4 – Wed., Apr. 23 – W-B/Scranton at Hershey, 7:00

*Game 5 – Fri., Apr. 25 – Hershey at W-B/Scranton, 7:05

*Game 6 – Sat., Apr. 26 – W-B/Scranton at Hershey, 7:00

*Game 7 – Sun., Apr. 27 – Hershey at W-B/Scranton, 5:05

East Division Semifinal – Series “D” (best-of-7)

E2-Philadelphia Phantoms vs. E3-Albany River Rats

Game 1 – Wed., Apr. 16 – ALBANY 4, Philadelphia 0

Game 2 – Fri., Apr. 18 – Albany at Philadelphia, 7:05 (WC)

Game 3 – Sun., Apr. 20 – Albany at Philadelphia, 5:05 (WC)

Game 4 – Tue., Apr. 22 – Philadelphia at Albany, 7:00

*Game 5 – Thu., Apr. 24 – Philadelphia at Albany, 7:00

*Game 6 – Sat., Apr. 26 – Albany at Philadelphia, 7:05 (WC)

*Game 7 – TBA – Albany at Philadelphia (WC)

(WC) at Wachovia Center, Philadelphia

North Division Semifinal – Series “E” (best-of-7)

N1-Toronto Marlies vs. W5-San Antonio Rampage

Game 1 – Wed., Apr. 16 – TORONTO 4, San Antonio 3

Game 2 – Fri., Apr. 18 – San Antonio at Toronto, 7:30

Game 3 – Mon., Apr. 21 – Toronto at San Antonio, 8:00

Game 4 – Wed., Apr. 23 – Toronto at San Antonio, 8:00

*Game 5 – Fri., Apr. 25 – Toronto at San Antonio, 8:00

*Game 6 – Sun., Apr. 27 – San Antonio at Toronto, 4:00

*Game 7 – Mon., Apr. 28 – San Antonio at Toronto, 7:30

North Division Semifinal – Series “F” (best-of-7)

N2-Syracuse Crunch vs. N3-Manitoba Moose

Game 1 – Fri., Apr. 18 – Manitoba at Syracuse, 7:30

Game 2 – Sat., Apr. 19 – Manitoba at Syracuse, 7:30

Game 3 – Tue., Apr. 22 – Syracuse at Manitoba, 8:30

Game 4 – Fri., Apr. 25 – Syracuse at Manitoba, 8:30

*Game 5 – Sat., Apr. 26 – Syracuse at Manitoba, 8:30

*Game 6 – Mon., Apr. 28 – Manitoba at Syracuse, 7:00

*Game 7 – Tue., Apr. 29 – Manitoba at Syracuse, 7:00

West Division Semifinal – Series “G” (best-of-7)

W1-Chicago Wolves vs. W4-Milwaukee Admirals

Game 1 – Wed., Apr. 16 – Milwaukee 4, CHICAGO 3 (OT)

Game 2 – Fri., Apr. 18 – Milwaukee at Chicago, 8:30

Game 3 – Sun., Apr. 20 – Chicago at Milwaukee, 6:00

Game 4 – Wed., Apr. 23 – Chicago at Milwaukee, 8:00

*Game 5 – Thu., Apr. 24 – Milwaukee at Chicago, 8:00

*Game 6 – Sat., Apr. 26 – Chicago at Milwaukee, 8:30

*Game 7 – Mon., Apr. 28 – Milwaukee at Chicago, 8:00

West Division Semifinal – Series “H” (best-of-7)

W2-Rockford IceHogs vs. W3-Houston Aeros

Game 1 – Fri., Apr. 18 – Houston at Rockford, 8:30

Game 2 – Sat., Apr. 19 – Houston at Rockford, 8:05

Game 3 – Tue., Apr. 22 – Rockford at Houston, 8:05

Game 4 – Thu., Apr. 24 – Rockford at Houston, 8:05

*Game 5 – Fri., Apr. 25 – Rockford at Houston, 8:35

*Game 6 – Sun., Apr. 27 – Houston at Rockford, 5:05

*Game 7 – Mon., Apr. 28 – Houston at Rockford, 8:05

*if necessary… All times Eastern

oursportscentral.com

HERSHEY, PA – The playoffs are a time to suck it up, step up and perform. And Chris Minard stuck to that formula perfectly on Wednesday night.

The Penguins’ leading goal scorer during the regular season, Minard blasted a puck past goaltender Frederic Cassivi 4:52 into overtime to lead the Penguins to a 2-1 win against the Hershey Bears in Game One of the East Division Semifinals at the Giant Center. Games Two and Three take place in Wilkes-Barre on Saturday and Sunday.

The fact that Minard was even on the ice for the extra session was remarkable. He tumbled into the boards with less than five minutes to go in regulation, and skated off the ice in obvious pain, clutching his shoulder as he headed down the runway to the Penguins’ locker room.

“I was a little worried when he left the ice there in the third period…My first thought was we were going to lose him for the series,” said head coach Todd Richards. “From what I understand he pinched a nerve in his shoulder. They worked on it a little bit getting ready for the overtime.

WILKES-BARRE/SCRANTON PENGUINS vs. HERSHEY BEARS

EAST DIVISION SEMIFINALS

Game 1 Wednesday, April 16 @ Giant Center Pens Win, 2-1

Game 2 (A)

Saturday, April 19 @ Wachovia Arena 7:05pm

Game 3 (B) Sunday, April 20 @ Wachovia Arena 5:05pm

Game 4 Wednesday, April 23 @ Giant Center 7:00pm

*Game 5 (C) Friday, April 25 @ Wachovia Arena 7:05pm

*Game 6 Saturday, April 26 @ Giant Center 7:00pm

*Game 7 (D) Sunday, April 27 @ Wachovia Arena 5:05pm

* = if necessary

LUCA CAPUTI JOINS PENGUINS

WILKES-BARRE, PA – The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins have signed left wing Luca Caputi to an amateur tryout contract, it was announced on Wednesday.

Caputi, 19, recently completed his junior season with the Niagara IceDogs of the Ontario Hockey League. The 6-3, 185 pound native of Toronto finished fourth in the OHL with 111 points and third with 51 goals. He also added 17 points (8+9) in 10 postseason games with the IceDogs.

For his career, Caputi recorded 185 points (86+99) in 214 games. He was selected by Pittsburgh in the fourth round (111th overall) of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft

PENGUINS END OF SEASON AWARDS ANNOUNCED

The Penguins announced their annual award winners prior to last Saturday’s game against the Norfolk Admirals.

MEDIA AWARD – Ben Lovejoy

STAR OF THE YEAR – Kurtis McLean

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR – John Curry

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD – Ryan Lannon

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER – Alex Goligoski

MOST VALUABLE DEFENSEMAN – Alain Nasreddine

HERB BROOKS MEMORIAL AWARD – Connor James

FAN FAVORITE – Dennis Bonvie

PENGUIN AWARD – Nathan Smith

LEADING SCORER – Tim Brent

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER – Tim Brent

2007-08 YEAR IN REVIEW

The 2007-08 regular season proved to be another success for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, who recorded their third consecutive 100 point season, captured their second division championship in three years, and qualified for the Calder Cup Playoffs for the sixth consecutive season.

The following notes give a look at some of the high points of the recently completed regular season:

300: The Penguins posted the 300th win in franchise history with a 3-2 decision at Hamilton on November 28. Ironically, it was in Hamilton that the Pens recorded their first win back on November 10, 1999.

ROAD WINS RECORD: The Penguins finished the season with 25-13-0-2 record away from the Wachovia Arena at Casey Plaza, setting a new team mark for road victories in a season (previously 23 by the 2005-06 and 2006-07 squads). The 25 road wins were tied for second most in the league this season (Providence – 28; Hartford – 25), while the 52 road points were third (Providence – 59; Hartford – 56).

NINE IN A ROW – TIMES TWO: The Penguins posted a pair of nine-game win streaks during the 2007-08 regular season, tying the team mark set at the start of the 2005-06 campaign (October 5-29). Wilkes-Barre/Scranton reeled off nine wins in a row between December 15 and January 2, and again from March 2 through March 19.

oursportscentral.com

Albany leads the series 1-0 heading into Friday night’s Game 2 at the Wachovia Center, which will host all first round Phantoms home games while the Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey Circus performs at the Wachovia Spectrum through April 27. Game 3 is on Sunday afternoon at 5:05 at the Wachovia Center, after which the series will return to Albany for Games 4 and 5 next week.

The series would then shift back to Philadelphia if necessary for the April 26 Game 6. Game 7, also if necessary, will be played at the Wachovia Center on a still-to-be-determined date.

Tickets for Games 2, 3 and 6 are now available and can be purchased immediately at the Wachovia Complex box office or by phone at 1-800-298-4200. Online purchases are available now for Games 2 and 3 and will be available for Game 6 after 6:00 this evening. A special group ticket rate is available for groups of 10 or more and is available by calling the Phantoms at 215-465-4522.

SERIES SCHEDULE/RESULTS

Game 1: Wed. 4/16 – at Albany 4, Phantoms 0

Game 2: Fri. 4/18, 7:05 PM – Albany at Phantoms, Wachovia Center

Game 3: Sun. 4/20, 5:05 PM – Albany at Phantoms, Wachovia Center

Game 4: Tue. 4/22, 7:00 PM – Phantoms at Albany

*Game 5: Thu. 4/24, 7:00 PM – Phantoms at Albany

*Game 6: Sat. 4/26, 7:05 PM – Albany at Phantoms, Wachovia Center

*Game 7: TBA – Albany at Phantoms, Wachovia Center

*if necessary

oursportscentral.com

Caputi, 19, recently completed his junior season with the Niagara IceDogs of the Ontario Hockey League. The 6-3, 185 pound native of Toronto finished fourth in the OHL with 111 points and third with 51 goals. He also added 17 points (8+9) in 10 postseason games with the IceDogs.

For his career, Caputi recorded 185 points (86+99) in 214 games. He was selected by Pittsburgh in the fourth round (111th overall) of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

The Penguins play the first home game of the 2008 Calder Cup Playoffs this Saturday, April 19 at 7:05pm.

Ticket packages for all Penguins home games during the 2008 Calder Cup Playoffs are on sale now, and available through the Penguins’ ticket office located at 670 North River Street in the Waterfront Complex, or by phone at 208-7367.

Individual tickets for Games A, B and C are on sale now, and available through all TicketMaster locations, on line at www.ticketmaseter.com, by phone at 693-4100, or through the Wachovia Arena Box Office.

Fans holding vouchers from the Penguins’ Robo’s Readers School Reading Program or from Sundance Vacations can use those vouchers for any first round playoff game. Vouchers must be redeemed through the Penguins ticket office located at 670 North River Street in the Waterfront Complex.

oursportscentral.com

The following are the confirmed dates, along with locations, and times for the first-round series between the Marlies and Rampage (all times eastern):

Game 1 – Wednesday, April 16: San Antonio Rampage at Toronto Marlies 7:30 p.m. (Ricoh Coliseum)

Game 2 – Friday, April 18: San Antonio Rampage at Toronto Marlies 7:30 p.m. (Ricoh Coliseum)

Game 3 – Monday, April 21: Toronto Marlies at San Antonio Rampage 8:00 p.m. (AT&T Center)

Game 4 – Wednesday, April 23: Toronto Marlies at San Antonio Rampage 8:00 p.m. (AT&T Center)

*Game 5 – Friday, April 25: Toronto Marlies at San Antonio Rampage 8:00 p.m. (AT&T Center)

*Game 6 – Sunday, April 27: San Antonio Rampage at Toronto Marlies 4:00 p.m. (Ricoh Coliseum)

*Game 7 – Monday, April 28: San Antonio Rampage at Toronto Marlies 7:30 p.m. (Ricoh Coliseum)

*if necessary

The Marlies play Game 2 against the San Antonio Rampage – AHL affiliate of the Phoenix Coyotes – on Friday night at Ricoh Coliseum at 7:30 p.m. Leafs TV will provide exclusive television coverage of the Toronto Marlies in the first round. Fans can follow all the Marlies playoff action on AM 640 on their quest for the Calder Cup. For playoff ticket information, including season ticket packages and priority seating, visit www.torontomarlies.com or call the team’s ticket line at 416-597-PUCK.

oursportscentral.com

The first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive an autographed card signed by Zenon Konopka, courtesy of Quickway.

The Crunch’s best-of-seven first round series vs. Manitoba will begin Friday, April 18 at the War Memorial at Oncenter at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the first two home games (Round 1-Game A; Round 1-Ticket B) are available by calling the Crunch’s sales office at (315) 473-4444, stopping by the Oncenter Box Office, located on the State Street side of the War Memorial or by calling TicketMaster at (315) 472-0700.

oursportscentral.com

HARTFORD 3, Portland 1 (HFD leads, 1-0)

PROVIDENCE 3, Manchester 2 (OT) (PRO leads, 1-0)

W-B/Scranton 2, HERSHEY 1 (OT) (WBS leads, 1-0

ALBANY 4, Philadelphia 0 (ALB leads, 1-0)

TORONTO 4, San Antonio 3 (TOR leads, 1-0)

Milwaukee 4, CHICAGO 3 (OT) (MIL leads, 1-0)

WEDNESDAY’S THREE STARS:

1. Josh Langfeld netted a hat trick, including a pair of third-period goals to tie the game, and assisted on the overtime winner in Milwaukee’s 4-3 victory at Chicago in Game 1.

2. “Baz” Bastien Award winner Michael Leighton posted a 39-save shutout to backstop Albany past Philadelphia, 4-0, in Game 1 of their series at the Times Union Center.

3. Pierre-Alexandre Parenteau scored a pair of goals against his former team as Hartford rallied for a 3-1 win over Portland to begin their Atlantic Division Semifinal.

THURSDAY’S SCHEDULE (all times ET):

Game 2 – Portland at Hartford, 7:00 (HFD leads, 1-0)

2008 CALDER CUP PLAYOFFS: Atlantic Division Semifinal – Series “A” (best-of-7) A1-Providence Bruins vs. A4-Manchester Monarchs || Preview Game 1 – Wed., Apr. 16 – PROVIDENCE 3, Manchester 2 (OT) Game 2 – Fri., Apr. 18 – Manchester at Providence, 7:05 Game 3 – Sat., Apr. 19 – Providence at Manchester, 7:05 Game 4 – Mon., Apr. 21 – Providence at Manchester, 7:05 *Game 5 – Fri., Apr. 25 – Manchester at Providence, 7:05 *Game 6 – Sat., Apr. 26 – Manchester at Providence, 7:05 *Game 7 – Mon., Apr. 28 – Providence at Manchester, 7:05

Atlantic Division Semifinal – Series “B” (best-of-7) A2-Hartford Wolf Pack vs. A3-Portland Pirates || Preview Game 1 – Wed., Apr. 16 – HARTFORD 3, Portland 1 Game 2 – Thu., Apr. 17 – Portland at Hartford, 7:00 Game 3 – Sat., Apr. 19 – Hartford at Portland, 7:05 Game 4 – Sun., Apr. 20 – Hartford at Portland, 6:05 *Game 5 – Tue., Apr. 22 – Portland at Hartford, 7:00 *Game 6 – Thu., Apr. 24 – Hartford at Portland, 7:05 *Game 7 – Sat., Apr. 26 – Portland at Hartford, 7:00

East Division Semifinal – Series “C” (best-of-7) E1-W-B/Scranton Penguins vs. E4-Hershey Bears || Preview Game 1 – Wed., Apr. 16 – W-B/Scranton 2, HERSHEY 1 (OT) Game 2 – Sat., Apr. 19 – Hershey at W-B/Scranton, 7:05 Game 3 – Sun., Apr. 20 – Hershey at W-B/Scranton, 5:05 Game 4 – Wed., Apr. 23 – W-B/Scranton at Hershey, 7:00 *Game 5 – Fri., Apr. 25 – Hershey at W-B/Scranton, 7:05 *Game 6 – Sat., Apr. 26 – W-B/Scranton at Hershey, 7:00 *Game 7 – Sun., Apr. 27 – Hershey at W-B/Scranton, 5:05

East Division Semifinal – Series “D” (best-of-7) E2-Philadelphia Phantoms vs. E3-Albany River Rats || Preview

Game 1 – Wed., Apr. 16 – ALBANY 4, Philadelphia 0 Game 2 – Fri., Apr. 18 – Albany at Philadelphia, 7:05 (WC) Game 3 – Sun., Apr. 20 – Albany at Philadelphia, 5:05 (WC) Game 4 – Tue., Apr. 22 – Philadelphia at Albany, 7:00 *Game 5 – Thu., Apr. 24 – Philadelphia at Albany, 7:00 *Game 6 – TBA – Albany at Philadelphia (WC) *Game 7 – TBA – Albany at Philadelphia (WC)

(WC) at Wachovia Center, Philadelphia

North Division Semifinal – Series “E” (best-of-7) N1-Toronto Marlies vs. W5-San Antonio Rampage || Preview Game 1 – Wed., Apr. 16 – TORONTO 4, San Antonio 3 Game 2 – Fri., Apr. 18 – San Antonio at Toronto, 7:30 Game 3 – TBA – Toronto at San Antonio Game 4 – TBA – Toronto at San Antonio *Game 5 – TBA – Toronto at San Antonio *Game 6 – TBA – San Antonio at Toronto *Game 7 – TBA – San Antonio at Toronto

North Division Semifinal – Series “F” (best-of-7) N2-Syracuse Crunch vs. N3-Manitoba Moose || Preview Game 1 – Fri., Apr. 18 – Manitoba at Syracuse, 7:30 Game 2 – Sat., Apr. 19 – Manitoba at Syracuse, 7:30 Game 3 – Tue., Apr. 22 – Syracuse at Manitoba, 8:30 Game 4 – Fri., Apr. 25 – Syracuse at Manitoba, 8:30 *Game 5 – Sat., Apr. 26 – Syracuse at Manitoba, 8:30 *Game 6 – Mon., Apr. 28 – Manitoba at Syracuse, 7:00 *Game 7 – Tue., Apr. 29 – Manitoba at Syracuse, 7:00

West Division Semifinal – Series “G” (best-of-7) W1-Chicago Wolves vs. W4-Milwaukee Admirals || Preview Game 1 – Wed., Apr. 16 – Milwaukee 4, CHICAGO 3 (OT) Game 2 – Fri., Apr. 18 – Milwaukee at Chicago, 8:30 Game 3 – Sun., Apr. 20 – Chicago at Milwaukee, 6:00 Game 4 – Wed., Apr. 23 – Chicago at Milwaukee, 8:00 *Game 5 – Thu., Apr. 24 – Milwaukee at Chicago, 8:00 *Game 6 – Sat., Apr. 26 – Chicago at Milwaukee, 8:30 *Game 7 – Mon., Apr. 28 – Milwaukee at Chicago, 8:00

West Division Semifinal – Series “H” (best-of-7) W2-Rockford IceHogs vs. W3-Houston Aeros || Preview Game 1 – Fri., Apr. 18 – Houston at Rockford, 8:30

Game 2 – Sat., Apr. 19 – Houston at Rockford, 8:05

Game 3 – TBA – Rockford at Houston Game 4 – TBA – Rockford at Houston *Game 5 – TBA – Rockford at Houston

*Game 6 – Sun., Apr. 27 – Houston at Rockford, 5:05

*Game 7 – Mon., Apr. 28 – Houston at Rockford, 8:05

*if necessary… All times Eastern

GAME NOTES (all times ET): Game 2 – Portland at Hartford, 7:00 (HFD leads, 1-0)

The Wolf Pack and Pirates are right back on the XL Center ice tonight after playing Game 1 on Wednesday, a 3-1 Hartford victory… Pierre-Alexandre Parenteau scored twice for the Wolf Pack in the opener, including the game-winner at 2:50 of the third period… Including the regular season, Parenteau now shows six goals and 10 points in eight games against his former team… Fifth-year goaltender David LeNeveu, acquired by Hartford at the trade deadline, stopped 32 of 33 shots to pick up the win in his professional playoff debut… 2008 AHL All-Star Andrew Ebbett, also playing in his first career postseason game, initially gave the Pirates a 1-0 lead 42 seconds into the second period… The teams went a combined 0-for-12 on the power play, including an 0-for-7 mark by a Hartford unit that ranked second in the league (21.0%) in the regular season… The Wolf Pack have an all-time series record of 9-3 when they win Game 1, but they have dropped their last two series in which they won the opener, including last year’s seven-game division semifinal loss to Providence… The Pirates have lost seven of 10 series all-time in which they dropped Game 1, including six straight since coming back to win the 1996 conference finals vs. Saint John.

MORNING HEADLINES:

THE ROUGH TEND TO TUMBLE IN PLAYOFFS

Lindsay Kramer, Syracuse Post-Standard

Old-time hockey wins fans and sometimes even games. Friday, the Syracuse Crunch will begin pursuit of the one thing that style doesn’t win in this era of the sport – the Calder Cup. So the Crunch has two choices. Modify the bullying style that made it one of the most successful teams in the AHL this season. Or just keep swinging, whether it is going on to the next round or simply going down, period. The answer is as quick as a slash, and potentially just as painful. Syracuse’s snarl might as well be a tattoo, as hard as it is to wipe off. “It’s a fine line. But I think we’ll be right on that line,” said Syracuse captain Zenon Konopka.

http://www.syracuse.com/sports/index.ssf?/base/sports-0/1208422790199150.xml&coll=1

SCRAPYARD STRATEGY

Ken Wiebe, Winnipeg Sun

At playoff time, the gloves generally stay on. But when puck drops on the Calder Cup playoff series between the Manitoba Moose and Syracuse Crunch tomorrow, don’t be so sure. We’re not suggesting the North Division semifinal which opens in New York, is going to be a free-for-all. Just don’t be surprised to see some bloodshed. “We know what they’re like and we’re not going to worry if that stuff happens,” said Moose defenseman Nathan McIver. “We have good team toughness and we’re pretty good in that (fighting) department. But the most important thing is getting the wins.” Simply put, the Moose will be ready for whatever the series throws their way. http://winnipegsun.com/Sports/Hockey/2008/04/17/5308366-sun.html

TALKS SOFTLY, CARRIES BIG STICK

Gary Lawless, Winnipeg Free Press

Brad Moran, forgive us for saying so, is a lousy interview. It’s a little by choice and partly because he’s humble. But don’t be mistaken by his silence, this man speaks with his stick, if not his mouth. The Manitoba Moose will hang their hopes on Moran heading into the North Division semifinal with the Syracuse Crunch and his ability to generate offence and make the engine run will have a great deal to say about this series. “It’s how I am. I try and say as little as possible. When the recorders are on the more you say, the more chance there is of getting in trouble and at this time of year, you don’t want to give someone else something to go with,” said Moran, who spent parts of five seasons with the Crunch earlier in his career and is the franchise’s all-time leading scorer.

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/hockey/story/4161510p-4748670c.html

CONFIDENT CRAWFORD CONDITIONED FOR LONG HAUL

Reed Schreck, Rockford Register Star

No controversy here. Corey Crawford is expected to be the Rockford IceHogs’ starting goalie for the playoffs, which begin Friday against the Houston Aeros at the MetroCentre. It is comforting for the coaching staff to know they have a battle-tested backup in Wade Flaherty, who posted even stronger numbers in his regular-season opportunities. And Flaherty has won an AHL Calder Cup with Milwaukee and played in the NHL playoffs. Flaherty, though, hasn’t been in a game since injuring his shoulder March 30. He has been participating in practices. It’s unclear whether he or Mike Brodeur will be the backup this weekend.

http://www.rrstar.com/sports/x225270021

ICEHOGS PRESENT THREAT TO AEROS

Andrew J. Ferraro, Houston Chronicle

Morten Madsen used an incredible move against one of the best goalies in the American Hockey League to give the Aeros a thrilling win over Milwaukee in their regular-season finale at Toyota Center on Sunday. Sunday’s victory meant the difference between playing the high-powered Chicago Wolves or the Rockford IceHogs, who will face the Aeros (45-29-2-4) in a first-round series that will start Friday night at the Rockford MetroCentre. The two teams split their six games during the regular season. “They are a really good team,” said defenseman Shawn Belle, who scored in the shootout on Sunday. “They have a great offense. They have a ton of guys that like to crash the net. We think it is going to be a very physical series.”

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/5707795.html

MITCHELL, MARLIES MUSCLE UP

Terry Koshan, Toronto Sun

John Mitchell figures he is ready to take the next big step in his hockey career. But though there is no telling when or if the Marlies forward will play for the Maple Leafs, he made a couple of nice strides last night in Toronto’s playoff opener. Mitchell scored a goal and was the Marlies’ most consistently physical player in a 4-3 victory at the Ricoh Coliseum against the San Antonio Rampage in Game 1 of the American Hockey League division semi-final. “Upper management wants to see guys come to play in the playoffs, and that is what I tried to do,” Mitchell, a Leafs pick in 2003, said. “I like a physical game. Bring it on. I feel like I am big enough and strong enough, but (the NHL) did not happen for me this year. We’ll see what happens with the playoffs.”

http://torontosun.com/Sports/Hockey/2008/04/17/5309711-sun.html

SENS LIKE PROGRESS MADE UNDER CLOUSTON

Michael Sharp, Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin

The Binghamton Senators may have fallen short of the playoffs, but Ottawa assistant general manager Tim Murray said this week that he was pleased with head coach Cory Clouston’s first season. “Very happy,” Murray said. “He was a demanding guy. I think that the players down there that work hard really respect him. It was a learning season for him as a first-year pro coach, but I think he handled it very well.” In his first season as an American Hockey League coach, Clouston led the B-Sens to a 34-32-9-5 record and a sixth-place showing in the East Division. The team put together a late charge to remain in playoff contention until the final weekend, but was ultimately haunted by its inconsistency and a prolonged post-All-Star break slump.

http://www.pressconnects.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080417/SPORTS01/804170331/1003/SPORTS

ALUMNI WATCH: Pittsburgh goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury made 21 saves to complete his first Stanley Cup Playoff series victory as the Penguins posted a 3-1 win at Ottawa, completing a four-game sweep.

Rich Peverley recorded his first career Stanley Cup Playoff point on a goal by 2006 Calder Cup finalist Shea Weber as Nashville pulled even in its Western Conference Quarterfinal match-up with a 3-2 win over Detroit.

Three-time AHL All-Star Mike Mottau netted his first career Stanley Cup Playoff goal, but New Jersey dropped a 5-3 decision to the N.Y. Rangers in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinal.

BY THE NUMBERS: 23-3 – Since 2000, AHL teams’ record in series after posting a shutout in Game 1… Only Manitoba (2006 vs. Syracuse), Hartford (2006 vs. Manchester), and Chicago (2002 vs. Syracuse) have recovered to win a series after being shut out in the opener in the last eight postseasons.

ON THIS DATE:

April 17, 2003 – Marcel Hossa’s second goal of the night is the overtime game-winner as Hamilton outlasts Springfield, 7-6, to take a 2-0 lead in their best-of-five conference quarterfinal.

April 17, 1998 – Marc Savard nets five points (2g, 3a) during a seven-goal third period as Hartford rallies for a 7-4 win over New Haven in the Wolf Pack’s first-ever playoff game.

April 17, 1993 – Jozef Stumpel records two goals and two assists in Providence’s 9-0 win at Springfield, evening their best-of-seven series at 2-2.

April 17, 1957 – Ken Hayden completes a hat trick 6:58 into sudden-death overtime to give the Cleveland Barons a 5-4 win over Rochester and their eighth Calder Cup championship.

ON THE AIR: B2 Networks brings AHL action to your computer all season long with live video webcasts of every AHL game… Visit theahl.com for details.

oursportscentral.com

“Fred Steinman, owner of ValPak of Western MA, and I have been talking about doing this for several months,” said Falcons president and general manager Bruce Landon. “We realize the tremendous financial burden on the small business owner when it comes to advertising and marketing their business. I also know that if used correctly, Falcons’ tickets can be a great tool for driving customer traffic, rewarding staff members for outstanding achievements or simply to entertain clients. We have put together a unique marketing opportunity that is priced to fit any budget.”

The Falcons also partnered with ValPak of Western MA during the 2007-08 campaign to offer fans a special discount on Falcons’ tickets for opening night.

“It’s very difficult for a small to medium sized business to get your advertising message out when you have a limited budget,” said ValPak of Western MA owner Fred Steinman. “Direct mail advertising can accomplish that goal and this unique partnership with the Falcons also provides you with tickets to use for in-store promotions that can further enhance your sales. I am excited about introducing this program to the market place.”

This special ValPak/Falcons offer will be good until August 31, 2008. To make it even more affordable for businesses, both ValPak and the Falcons will also be offering easy payment plans. Each program is also flexible in terms of creating a package that is streamlined to meet the advertising goal and objectives of every type of business.

The Falcons are currently accepting deposits on full, half, and mini season ticket packages for the 2008-09 season, in addition to 40 and 10-Flex Packs. For more information regarding season ticket information, contact the Falcons office at 413-739-3344.

oursportscentral.com

The best-of-seven series follows a 2-3-2 format. Toronto leads the North Division Semifinal series 1-0 with Game 2 Friday, April 18 at Ricoh Coliseum.

The Rampage will host a Game 2 watch party at Fatso’s Sports Garden, located at 15630 Henderson Pass, Friday at 6:30 p.m. The party will feature door prizes, food and drink specials, and hard hitting playoff action, marking this event one you won’t want to miss.

The Rampage, in the Calder Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2003, finished fifth in the West Division and crossed over to the North bracket as a result of finishing ahead of Hamilton in standings points.

The first round series (AHL Series “E”) schedule is below:

SAN ANTONIO RAMPAGE VS. TORONTO MARLIES

Division Semi-Finals

Game Date Location Time/Result

1 Wednesday, April 16 San Antonio at Toronto SAN 3/TOR 4

2 Friday, April 18 San Antonio at Toronto 6:30 p.m. CT

3 Monday, April 21 Toronto at San Antonio 7:00 p.m. CT

4 Wednesday, April 23 Toronto at San Antonio 7:00 p.m. CT

5* Friday, April 25 Toronto at San Antonio 7:00 p.m. CT

6* Sunday, April 27 San Antonio at Toronto 3:00 p.m. CT

7* Monday, April 28 San Antonio at Toronto 6:30 p.m. CT

* if necessary

Tickets are available for all three first round home games at AT&T Center. Tickets can be purchased at the AT&T Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster Ticket Center locations including Macy’s and select H-E-B locations, online at www.sarampage.com and by phone at 210.444.5554.

Fans can follow all the Rampage playoff action on KTKR “The Ticket” 760 AM on their quest for the Calder Cup. B2 Networks brings AHL action to your computer all season long with live video webcasts of every AHL game. Visit SArampage.com for details.

oursportscentral.com

HARTFORD 3, Portland 1 (HFD leads, 1-0)

PROVIDENCE 3, Manchester 2 (OT) (PRO leads, 1-0)

W-B/Scranton 2, HERSHEY 1 (OT) (WBS leads, 1-0

ALBANY 4, Philadelphia 0 (ALB leads, 1-0)

TORONTO 4, San Antonio 3 (TOR leads, 1-0)

Milwaukee 4, CHICAGO 3 (OT) (MIL leads, 1-0)

WEDNESDAY’S THREE STARS:

1. Josh Langfeld netted a hat trick, including a pair of third-period goals to tie the game, and assisted on the overtime winner in Milwaukee’s 4-3 victory at Chicago in Game 1.

2. “Baz” Bastien Award winner Michael Leighton posted a 39-save shutout to backstop Albany past Philadelphia, 4-0, in Game 1 of their series at the Times Union Center.

3. Pierre-Alexandre Parenteau scored a pair of goals against his former team as Hartford rallied for a 3-1 win over Portland to begin their Atlantic Division Semifinal.

THURSDAY’S SCHEDULE (all times ET):

Game 2 – Portland at Hartford, 7:00 (HFD leads, 1-0)

2008 CALDER CUP PLAYOFFS:

Atlantic Division Semifinal – Series “A” (best-of-7)

A1-Providence Bruins vs. A4-Manchester Monarchs || Preview

Game 1 – Wed., Apr. 16 – PROVIDENCE 3, Manchester 2 (OT)

Game 2 – Fri., Apr. 18 – Manchester at Providence, 7:05

Game 3 – Sat., Apr. 19 – Providence at Manchester, 7:05

Game 4 – Mon., Apr. 21 – Providence at Manchester, 7:05

*Game 5 – Fri., Apr. 25 – Manchester at Providence, 7:05

*Game 6 – Sat., Apr. 26 – Manchester at Providence, 7:05

*Game 7 – Mon., Apr. 28 – Providence at Manchester, 7:05

Atlantic Division Semifinal – Series “B” (best-of-7)

A2-Hartford Wolf Pack vs. A3-Portland Pirates || Preview

Game 1 – Wed., Apr. 16 – HARTFORD 3, Portland 1

Game 2 – Thu., Apr. 17 – Portland at Hartford, 7:00

Game 3 – Sat., Apr. 19 – Hartford at Portland, 7:05

Game 4 – Sun., Apr. 20 – Hartford at Portland, 6:05

*Game 5 – Tue., Apr. 22 – Portland at Hartford, 7:00

*Game 6 – Thu., Apr. 24 – Hartford at Portland, 7:05

*Game 7 – Sat., Apr. 26 – Portland at Hartford, 7:00

East Division Semifinal – Series “C” (best-of-7)

E1-W-B/Scranton Penguins vs. E4-Hershey Bears || Preview

Game 1 – Wed., Apr. 16 – W-B/Scranton 2, HERSHEY 1 (OT)

Game 2 – Sat., Apr. 19 – Hershey at W-B/Scranton, 7:05

Game 3 – Sun., Apr. 20 – Hershey at W-B/Scranton, 5:05

Game 4 – Wed., Apr. 23 – W-B/Scranton at Hershey, 7:00

*Game 5 – Fri., Apr. 25 – Hershey at W-B/Scranton, 7:05

*Game 6 – Sat., Apr. 26 – W-B/Scranton at Hershey, 7:00

*Game 7 – Sun., Apr. 27 – Hershey at W-B/Scranton, 5:05

East Division Semifinal – Series “D” (best-of-7)

E2-Philadelphia Phantoms vs. E3-Albany River Rats || Preview

Game 1 – Wed., Apr. 16 – ALBANY 4, Philadelphia 0

Game 2 – Fri., Apr. 18 – Albany at Philadelphia, 7:05 (WC)

Game 3 – Sun., Apr. 20 – Albany at Philadelphia, 5:05 (WC)

Game 4 – Tue., Apr. 22 – Philadelphia at Albany, 7:00

*Game 5 – Thu., Apr. 24 – Philadelphia at Albany, 7:00

*Game 6 – TBA – Albany at Philadelphia (WC)

*Game 7 – TBA – Albany at Philadelphia (WC)

(WC) at Wachovia Center, Philadelphia

North Division Semifinal – Series “E” (best-of-7)

N1-Toronto Marlies vs. W5-San Antonio Rampage || Preview

Game 1 – Wed., Apr. 16 – TORONTO 4, San Antonio 3

Game 2 – Fri., Apr. 18 – San Antonio at Toronto, 7:30

Game 3 – TBA – Toronto at San Antonio

Game 4 – TBA – Toronto at San Antonio

*Game 5 – TBA – Toronto at San Antonio

*Game 6 – TBA – San Antonio at Toronto

*Game 7 – TBA – San Antonio at Toronto

North Division Semifinal – Series “F” (best-of-7)

N2-Syracuse Crunch vs. N3-Manitoba Moose || Preview

Game 1 – Fri., Apr. 18 – Manitoba at Syracuse, 7:30

Game 2 – Sat., Apr. 19 – Manitoba at Syracuse, 7:30

Game 3 – Tue., Apr. 22 – Syracuse at Manitoba, 8:30

Game 4 – Fri., Apr. 25 – Syracuse at Manitoba, 8:30

*Game 5 – Sat., Apr. 26 – Syracuse at Manitoba, 8:30

*Game 6 – Mon., Apr. 28 – Manitoba at Syracuse, 7:00

*Game 7 – Tue., Apr. 29 – Manitoba at Syracuse, 7:00

West Division Semifinal – Series “G” (best-of-7)

W1-Chicago Wolves vs. W4-Milwaukee Admirals || Preview

Game 1 – Wed., Apr. 16 – Milwaukee 4, CHICAGO 3 (OT)

Game 2 – Fri., Apr. 18 – Milwaukee at Chicago, 8:30

Game 3 – Sun., Apr. 20 – Chicago at Milwaukee, 6:00

Game 4 – Wed., Apr. 23 – Chicago at Milwaukee, 8:00

*Game 5 – Thu., Apr. 24 – Milwaukee at Chicago, 8:00

*Game 6 – Sat., Apr. 26 – Chicago at Milwaukee, 8:30

*Game 7 – Mon., Apr. 28 – Milwaukee at Chicago, 8:00

West Division Semifinal – Series “H” (best-of-7)

W2-Rockford IceHogs vs. W3-Houston Aeros || Preview

Game 1 – Fri., Apr. 18 – Houston at Rockford, 8:30

Game 2 – Sat., Apr. 19 – Houston at Rockford, 8:05

Game 3 – TBA – Rockford at Houston

Game 4 – TBA – Rockford at Houston

*Game 5 – TBA – Rockford at Houston

*Game 6 – Sun., Apr. 27 – Houston at Rockford, 5:05

*Game 7 – Mon., Apr. 28 – Houston at Rockford, 8:05

*if necessary… All times Eastern

GAME NOTES (all times ET):

Game 2 – Portland at Hartford, 7:00 (HFD leads, 1-0)

The Wolf Pack and Pirates are right back on the XL Center ice tonight after playing Game 1 on Wednesday, a 3-1 Hartford victory… Pierre-Alexandre Parenteau scored twice for the Wolf Pack in the opener, including the game-winner at 2:50 of the third period… Including the regular season, Parenteau now shows six goals and 10 points in eight games against his former team… Fifth-year goaltender David LeNeveu, acquired by Hartford at the trade deadline, stopped 32 of 33 shots to pick up the win in his professional playoff debut… 2008 AHL All-Star Andrew Ebbett, also playing in his first career postseason game, initially gave the Pirates a 1-0 lead 42 seconds into the second period… The teams went a combined 0-for-12 on the power play, including an 0-for-7 mark by a Hartford unit that ranked second in the league (21.0%) in the regular season… The Wolf Pack have an all-time series record of 9-3 when they win Game 1, but they have dropped their last two series in which they won the opener, including last year’s seven-game division semifinal loss to Providence… The Pirates have lost seven of 10 series all-time in which they dropped Game 1, including six straight since coming back to win the 1996 conference finals vs. Saint John.

MORNING HEADLINES:

THE ROUGH TEND TO TUMBLE IN PLAYOFFS

Lindsay Kramer, Syracuse Post-Standard

Old-time hockey wins fans and sometimes even games. Friday, the Syracuse Crunch will begin pursuit of the one thing that style doesn’t win in this era of the sport – the Calder Cup. So the Crunch has two choices. Modify the bullying style that made it one of the most successful teams in the AHL this season. Or just keep swinging, whether it is going on to the next round or simply going down, period. The answer is as quick as a slash, and potentially just as painful. Syracuse’s snarl might as well be a tattoo, as hard as it is to wipe off. “It’s a fine line. But I think we’ll be right on that line,” said Syracuse captain Zenon Konopka.

http://www.syracuse.com/sports/index.ssf?/base/sports-0/1208422790199150.xml&coll=1

SCRAPYARD STRATEGY

Ken Wiebe, Winnipeg Sun

At playoff time, the gloves generally stay on. But when puck drops on the Calder Cup playoff series between the Manitoba Moose and Syracuse Crunch tomorrow, don’t be so sure. We’re not suggesting the North Division semifinal which opens in New York, is going to be a free-for-all. Just don’t be surprised to see some bloodshed. “We know what they’re like and we’re not going to worry if that stuff happens,” said Moose defenseman Nathan McIver. “We have good team toughness and we’re pretty good in that (fighting) department. But the most important thing is getting the wins.” Simply put, the Moose will be ready for whatever the series throws their way.

http://winnipegsun.com/Sports/Hockey/2008/04/17/5308366-sun.html

TALKS SOFTLY, CARRIES BIG STICK

Gary Lawless, Winnipeg Free Press

Brad Moran, forgive us for saying so, is a lousy interview. It’s a little by choice and partly because he’s humble. But don’t be mistaken by his silence, this man speaks with his stick, if not his mouth. The Manitoba Moose will hang their hopes on Moran heading into the North Division semifinal with the Syracuse Crunch and his ability to generate offence and make the engine run will have a great deal to say about this series. “It’s how I am. I try and say as little as possible. When the recorders are on the more you say, the more chance there is of getting in trouble and at this time of year, you don’t want to give someone else something to go with,” said Moran, who spent parts of five seasons with the Crunch earlier in his career and is the franchise’s all-time leading scorer.

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/hockey/story/4161510p-4748670c.html

CONFIDENT CRAWFORD CONDITIONED FOR LONG HAUL

Reed Schreck, Rockford Register Star

No controversy here. Corey Crawford is expected to be the Rockford IceHogs’ starting goalie for the playoffs, which begin Friday against the Houston Aeros at the MetroCentre. It is comforting for the coaching staff to know they have a battle-tested backup in Wade Flaherty, who posted even stronger numbers in his regular-season opportunities. And Flaherty has won an AHL Calder Cup with Milwaukee and played in the NHL playoffs. Flaherty, though, hasn’t been in a game since injuring his shoulder March 30. He has been participating in practices. It’s unclear whether he or Mike Brodeur will be the backup this weekend.

http://www.rrstar.com/sports/x225270021

ICEHOGS PRESENT THREAT TO AEROS

Andrew J. Ferraro, Houston Chronicle

Morten Madsen used an incredible move against one of the best goalies in the American Hockey League to give the Aeros a thrilling win over Milwaukee in their regular-season finale at Toyota Center on Sunday. Sunday’s victory meant the difference between playing the high-powered Chicago Wolves or the Rockford IceHogs, who will face the Aeros (45-29-2-4) in a first-round series that will start Friday night at the Rockford MetroCentre. The two teams split their six games during the regular season. “They are a really good team,” said defenseman Shawn Belle, who scored in the shootout on Sunday. “They have a great offense. They have a ton of guys that like to crash the net. We think it is going to be a very physical series.”

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/5707795.html

MITCHELL, MARLIES MUSCLE UP

Terry Koshan, Toronto Sun

John Mitchell figures he is ready to take the next big step in his hockey career. But though there is no telling when or if the Marlies forward will play for the Maple Leafs, he made a couple of nice strides last night in Toronto’s playoff opener. Mitchell scored a goal and was the Marlies’ most consistently physical player in a 4-3 victory at the Ricoh Coliseum against the San Antonio Rampage in Game 1 of the American Hockey League division semi-final. “Upper management wants to see guys come to play in the playoffs, and that is what I tried to do,” Mitchell, a Leafs pick in 2003, said. “I like a physical game. Bring it on. I feel like I am big enough and strong enough, but (the NHL) did not happen for me this year. We’ll see what happens with the playoffs.”

http://torontosun.com/Sports/Hockey/2008/04/17/5309711-sun.html

SENS LIKE PROGRESS MADE UNDER CLOUSTON

Michael Sharp, Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin

The Binghamton Senators may have fallen short of the playoffs, but Ottawa assistant general manager Tim Murray said this week that he was pleased with head coach Cory Clouston’s first season. “Very happy,” Murray said. “He was a demanding guy. I think that the players down there that work hard really respect him. It was a learning season for him as a first-year pro coach, but I think he handled it very well.” In his first season as an American Hockey League coach, Clouston led the B-Sens to a 34-32-9-5 record and a sixth-place showing in the East Division. The team put together a late charge to remain in playoff contention until the final weekend, but was ultimately haunted by its inconsistency and a prolonged post-All-Star break slump.

http://www.pressconnects.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080417/SPORTS01/804170331/1003/SPORTS

ALUMNI WATCH:

Pittsburgh goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury made 21 saves to complete his first Stanley Cup Playoff series victory as the Penguins posted a 3-1 win at Ottawa, completing a four-game sweep.

Rich Peverley recorded his first career Stanley Cup Playoff point on a goal by 2006 Calder Cup finalist Shea Weber as Nashville pulled even in its Western Conference Quarterfinal match-up with a 3-2 win over Detroit.

Three-time AHL All-Star Mike Mottau netted his first career Stanley Cup Playoff goal, but New Jersey dropped a 5-3 decision to the N.Y. Rangers in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinal.

BY THE NUMBERS:

23-3 – Since 2000, AHL teams’ record in series after posting a shutout in Game 1… Only Manitoba (2006 vs. Syracuse), Hartford (2006 vs. Manchester), and Chicago (2002 vs. Syracuse) have recovered to win a series after being shut out in the opener in the last eight postseasons.

ON THIS DATE:

April 17, 2003 – Marcel Hossa’s second goal of the night is the overtime game-winner as Hamilton outlasts Springfield, 7-6, to take a 2-0 lead in their best-of-five conference quarterfinal.

April 17, 1998 – Marc Savard nets five points (2g, 3a) during a seven-goal third period as Hartford rallies for a 7-4 win over New Haven in the Wolf Pack’s first-ever playoff game.

April 17, 1993 – Jozef Stumpel records two goals and two assists in Providence’s 9-0 win at Springfield, evening their best-of-seven series at 2-2.

April 17, 1957 – Ken Hayden completes a hat trick 6:58 into sudden-death overtime to give the Cleveland Barons a 5-4 win over Rochester and their eighth Calder Cup championship.

ON THE AIR:

B2 Networks brings AHL action to your computer all season long with live video webcasts of every AHL game… Visit theahl.com for details.

oursportscentral.com