The Monarchs have three games remaining in their regular season and they control their playoff destiny.
It’s April 1, 2019 and here’s a look back at recent events in Monarchs Country.
Wednesday, March 27 – Manchester 1, Brampton 0 (away)
Friday, March 29 – Newfoundland 4, Manchester 2 (away)
Saturday, March 30 – Newfoundland 5, Manchester 2 (away)
Although they had plenty of scoring opportunities during their two games in St. Johns, the Monarchs remain winless this season against the ECHL North Division leading Newfoundland Growlers. Manchester battled back on Friday night to negate an early two-goal Growler lead before the hosts ultimately took control for the rest of the weekend.
Newfoundland chased Manchester goaltender Charles Williams from the contest on Saturday after four unanswered goals, leaving the Monarchs with just two points from their three-game Canadian road trip this week.
The Growlers take on Manchester one more time during the regular season, a Friday night home contest at SNHU Arena sandwiched between a trip to Worcester that serves as their final road game of the regular season and a faceoff against Maine at home on Saturday night that ultimately could be crucial in the North Division’s playoff picture.
Heading into the final week, Newfoundland and Adirondack have already clinched playoff spots, while Manchester and Brampton can do the same if they each win their final three games.
Maine currently sits on the outside looking in with 73 points and four games left to play, while Reading can still make the post-season if they win their last three games and Manchester and Brampton both lose all of their final games.
Although he could not reveal specifics heading into the final week, Monarchs Head Coach Doug Christiansen told Manchester Ink Link on Monday evening that incoming AHL players are expected to join the Monarchs over the next few days.
Three Stars
Top Star: Sam Kurker (2 goals, 0 assists, -2, 12 shots)
Second Star: David Kolomatis (0 goals, 2 assists, 0 +/-, 5 shots)
Third Star: Cole Kehler (1.67 GAA, 23 saves, 1 assist, 0-0-0-0)
