READING , Pa – The playoff races are all but over in the ECHL. With most teams having two or three games left in the regular season, only two playoff positions remain, one each in the North and South Division’s.
The eight positions in the National Conference are set, but not everyone is set in their respective playoff spots in each division. The only team that did not make the playoffs are the Phoenix RoadRunners, who not only did not make the playoffs, but are folding as well.
In the Pacific Division, the Ontario Reign has clichéd the division. Bakersfield, Stockton, and Las Vegas are separated by only one point with Bakersfield and Stockton tied with 71 points with two games left, while Las Vegas has 72 points with one game remaining.
From left to right: Stocktons Justin Chwedoruk%2C Alaska goaltender JP Lamoureux%2C and defenseman Bryan Miller
In the West Division Alaska and
Idaho are separated by one point for the Division crown.
Victoria will finish in third place while
Utah finishes in fourth.
Over in the American Conference, the wild and wooly North Division standings have changed on a daily basis. The three teams that have clinched playoff spots are all tied for first place with 83 points:
Cincinnati,
Trenton, and
Elmira. The Johnstown Chiefs and are separated by two points with the Wheeling Nailers. Both teams have two games remaining.
In the South three teams have clinched:
Florida,
South Carolina, and
Charlotte.
Florida has clinched the division, while SC finishes in second place and will take on
Charlotte in the playoffs. It is the only series that is set at this time. Gwinnett and
Mississippi are separated by two points for the last playoff spot. The Sea Wolves have three games left and are behind the Gladiators in the standings. Gwinnett has only two games left.
Below is a look at the preliminary schedule for the playoffs. Each playoff series will be a best-of-seven.
Division Quarterfinals April 9-22
Division Semifinals April 24-May 6
Conference Finals May 8-May 20
Kelly Cup Finals May 23-June 5
Contact the author at
Brian.Jennings@prohockeynews.com
Contact the photographer at
Jack.Lima@prohockeynews.com Related
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