After trying to guess and waiting out nearly a full Sunday afternoon slate of games to close the regular season, we now finally know who Albany will be facing in the first round of the Calder Cup playoffs…our friends to the west of us, Utica. Despite a loss to Binghamton in their season finale, a Bridgeport loss to Providence sealed the deal earlier this afternoon.
With that said, here is the official first round schedule:
Game 1 at Albany, Friday at 7:00 PM
Game 2 at Albany, Saturday at 5:00 PM
Game 3 at Utica, April 26th at 7:00 PM
Game 4 at Utica, April 28th at 7:00 PM*
Game 5 at Albany, April 30th at 5:00 PM*
*if necessary
Yes, there are still 5 PM Saturday starts. But look at it this way: if the game should go to multiple overtimes, you can get out at a decent hour! Or, finish up on time and head out to watch all the 7 PM & 8 PM NHL starts (or even follow along with another Calder Cup series).
As for my coverage, here’s the plan for the next two weeks:
Monday Part 1 of my year end review will be up at 7 PM, covering all the final regular season stats. Pregamer for the series will be out Friday at noon. I will be on hand for Games 1 and 2 at home. As of now I’m not planning on any travel due to my work schedule (and the fact every ticket will probably be sold out in 10 minutes…it is Utica after all), but that can change. Game 3 I will be able to cover from home, as of now I will be unable to do Game 4 if needed. If Game 5 is necessary I will be at the arena.
As for the rest of the Eastern Conference: Portland will face Hershey beginning on Friday in Maine; Providence will face Wilkes-Barre beginning Wednesday in Pennsylvania; and Toronto will face Bridgeport beginning on Saturday in Connecticut. You can find the full league schedule here.
Thoughts Inside The Box 