A week ago the Rochester Americans clinched a playoff spot for the first time since 2007, tonight they can clinch home ice advantage in the first round with a win against the Grand Rapids Griffins. Tyler Plante should get the start again tonight as he has been on a hot streak lately playing the best hockey of his pro career. The game plan on the board in the Amerks locker room should be simple, play 60 minutes like they have been doing and good things will happen.
The team they’ll face in the first round is still up in the air between the Manitoba Moose and Abbotsford Heat. The Moose won their game on Tuesday night pulling within two points of the Heat. The preferred team to play would be the Abbotsford Heat, even though the team would have to travel across the country.
The Amerks finish up their season at home on Friday night against the Toronto Marlies and on the road in Syracuse on Saturday. Playoff tickets are also on sale and the tentative dates tossed around for games 1 and 2 (assuming Amerks get home ice) will be Thursday April 15th and Saturday April 17th.