Fighting Falcons Look to Clinch Playoff Spot in Springfield
March 8, 2014 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Port Huron Fighting Falcons News Release
PORT HURON, MI - Â The Port Huron Fighting Falcons, proud members of the North American Hockey League, have a chance to become the first North Division team to clinch a spot in the 2014 Robertson Cup playoffs as they travel to Springfield for a weekend series against the Jr. Blues. The Fighting Falcons need just two points to clinch a playoff berth, and could get them both with a win Friday night. Friday and Saturday night's games will be available live on www.fasthockey.com and WHLS AM.
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The Fighting Falcons (29-13-8) hold a six-point lead over the Michigan Warriors for the top spot in the North Division. Port Huron has led the division since opening night back in September. The Jr. Blues (21-23-7) are currently tied with the Soo Eagles for fifth place, but sit just two points behind the Janesville Jets for the fourth and final playoff spot.
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The North Division has been arguably the most competitive in the NAHL this season, as the only division with no playoff spots clinched. The NAHL's first playoff spot was clinched by the Austin Bruins January 28, when they had 17 games still to play. Seventeen points separate first-place Port Huron from last-place Springfield and Soo; the differential in the leagues other divisions are 30, 39 and 41. The North is also the only NAHL division in which every team has at least 20 wins.
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The Fighting Falcons have maintained their spot atop the division through their play away from home. Port Huron is the only North Division team with a winning record on the road at 12-7-5.
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Port Huron is 4-2-0 against Springfield in six matchups so far this season, with two of their four wins coming in the shootout. The Fighting Falcons swept the Jr. Blues when they last played February 14 and 15 at McMorran Arena, with Port Huron holding Springfield scoreless for 118 consecutive minutes before the Jr. Blues managed to force overtime in the weekend finale. This weekend's series is the last of the regular season, but could be a preview of a first-round playoff battle.
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Bryan Yim leads the way with seven points on three goals and four assists against Springfield this season. Goalies Max Milosek and Alex Blankenburg have two wins apiece against the Jr. Blues.
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Max Kalter's five points on a goal and four assists lead the Jr. Blues. Stefanos Lekkas has both of Springfield's wins in the season series.
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The team returns to home ice Wednesday, March 12 for a 6 p.m. matchup with the in-state rival Michigan Warriors. The Fighting Falcons are just 2-4-2 against the Warriors this season, with four games remaining against Michigan in March.
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Tickets to any Fighting Falcons home game are available at the McMorran Arena Box Office, starting at just $7 for seniors, students and military. For more information, call the team's front office at (810) 966-3800.
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