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Springfield Thunderbirds Top Line Can Up Against The Providence Bruins
TL;DR
The Springfield Thunderbirds, a sixth seed in the AHL playoffs, face the top-seeded Providence Bruins. Despite their underdog status, the Thunderbirds have shown resilience, overcoming significant challenges in previous rounds.
Key points
- Springfield Thunderbirds are the sixth seed in the AHL playoffs
- Providence Bruins had the best record in the AHL
- Thunderbirds overcame significant challenges to reach the playoffs
- Thunderbirds defeated the Charlotte Checkers despite a tough start
- The series could be closer than expected
Springfield ThunderbirdsProvidence BruinsAmerican Hockey LeagueCalder Cup Playoffs
At first glance, the series between the Providence Bruins and the Springfield Thunderbirds shouldnât be close. Why would it be? The Bruins had the best record in the American Hockey League, and the Springfield Thunderbirds were the sixth seed in the Atlantic Division and one of the final teams to qualify for the Calder Cup Playoffs.
Then again, the Thunderbirds keep proving everyone wrong. They werenât supposed to make the playoffs, yet they did. They weren't supposed to defeat the Charlotte Checkers, yet they did despite losing Game One by an 8-1 score and trailing in every game of the series.
Related: Calder Cup Playoffs Round of 16: What You Need to Know
The Thunderbirds can make this series against the Bruins a close one. The question is whether they can pull off the upset. To do so, theyâll be tasked with beating a Bruins team that has no glaring weaknesses.
Springfield's Top Line Will Give Bruins Fits
When Steve Ott took over as the Thunderbirds' head coach, he made some big changes. The on-ice one was putting Aleksanteri Kaskimaki, Dillon Dube, and Chris Wagner on the same line. Itâs the line thatâs provided the offense and, more importantly, played well in every situation. âWhatâs really good about that line is that 200-foot game that they have. They can play in the defensive zone, the offensive zone, against their best lines but more importantly, they play the right way,â Ott noted in a conversation with The Hockey News.
Kaskimaki is the prospect to watch on that line. The 22-year-old Finnish winger had 20 goals and 24 assists this season and showed off the skill the St. Louis Blues hope to add to their lineup by next season. His scoring stood out, especially in the series against the Checkers. However, the overall two-way play makes him look like an NHLer.
This is the line Ott will have on the ice late in games. Itâs the trio he can double shift or keep on the ice to close out the game. The Bruins have a great forward unit but their top line of , , and can only match the Thunderbirds top line, not best it.
Q&A
How did the Springfield Thunderbirds qualify for the Calder Cup Playoffs?
The Springfield Thunderbirds qualified for the Calder Cup Playoffs as the sixth seed in the Atlantic Division, despite not being expected to make it.
What challenges did the Thunderbirds overcome in the playoffs?
The Thunderbirds overcame a significant challenge by defeating the Charlotte Checkers after losing Game One by a score of 8-1 and trailing in every game of the series.
What is the record of the Providence Bruins in the AHL?
The Providence Bruins had the best record in the American Hockey League (AHL) during the season.
Can the Springfield Thunderbirds upset the Providence Bruins?
The Thunderbirds have the potential to upset the Bruins, but they will need to exploit any weaknesses in a team that has shown no glaring flaws.
