The Springfield Thunderbirds will play two huge games to close out the AHL regular season, knowing they must win both games and get help just to make the playoffs.
Springfield is four points out of the last playoff spot in the Atlantic Division of the American Hockey League.
And there is no room for any error.
It all boils down to this; The Thunderbirds must beat both Providence tonight at The Amp in Providence, and Hartford, Saturday at The Mass Mutual Center. Then they must wait and get a lot of help. If Lehigh Valley gets just one point, be it in regulation or in overtime, they will get that last playoff spot.
The Phantoms play in Bridgeport tonight. And then finish the regulation season with two games at home against Wilks Barre and Charlotte.
If all that happens then the two teams would tie for the last playoff spot. And Springfield would win the tie breaker.
If that happens then Springfield would play Wilks Barre in the opening round of the Calder Cup playoffs.
The Thunderbirds have already announced that Saturday’s game versus Hartford is a sellout. It would be the 14th sellout of the year.
They are looking to ride the back on Adam Gaudette. He has scored 44 goals this year. The Braintree, Massachusetts native is third in the league in scoring with 44 goals and 69 points. He is just behind Marvrik Borque of Texas who has 75 points and Rocco Grimaldi of Chicago who has 70 points.
All Springfield Thunderbirds games can be heard on NewRadio 560 WHYN. Friday’s game begins with the pregame show of Ryan Smith at 6:50 from Providence. Saturday also at 6:50 live from a sold-out MassMutual Center against Hartford.
(Photo Credit: Lucas Armstrong, Springfield Thunderbirds Media)