The Laval Rocket take one step closer to the Calder Cup final as they take on the Springfield Thunderbirds in the Eastern Conference Finals which begin Saturday in Springfield. This is the first time Laval and Springfield have played in the Calder Cup playoffs.
To qualify for the next round, Laval swept the Americans in Rochester following a 6-5 victory in the third period of overtime last Wednesday night at Blue Cross Arena. This victory allowed the Rocket to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. Jean-Sébastien Dea was a thorn in the side of his former team, the Americans, as he scored twice, including the overtime winner with 1:51 to go in the third overtime session.
The Springfield Thunderbirds secured their spot in the Eastern Conference Finals with a 5-1 win over the Charlotte Checkers at Bojangles Coliseum last Saturday night. While the Rocket went the full five games in its first round, Springfield recorded its second consecutive series sweep.
After their second consecutive sweep in the series, Springfield will face the Laval Rocket for the right to play for the Calder Cup. The Thunderbirds and Rocket are making their first-ever appearance in the Calder Cup playoffs.
Since landing in the AHL, the Rocket are 4-6 against Springfield, but this season Laval has won both games. 5-2, 4-3.
The series will now be best-of-seven and should be a battle for a spot in the Calder Cup final. Springfield finished second in the Atlantic Division with 95 points in 76 games while Laval finished third in the North Division with 85 points in 72 games.
The series will return to Place Bell on Wednesday June 8, Friday June 10 and if necessary on Saturday June 11. All games start at 7:00 p.m.
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