Playoff Spotlight
The AHL postseason is delivering high-stakes drama, with two division finals reaching critical junctures. In the Atlantic, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins hold a 2-1 series edge over the Springfield Thunderbirds after a nail-biting Game 3, while in the Central, the Grand Rapids Griffins look to extend their lead after an overtime victory in Game 3.
Atlantic Division Finals
Game 3 saw Bill Zonnon strike the game-winning goal for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, capping a sequence that began with Rutger McGroarty’s shorthanded breakaway. Goaltender Sergei Murashov turned away 27 shots, and the Penguins’ defense limited Springfield to just one early goal, a pattern that has plagued the Thunderbirds throughout the playoffs.
Central Division Finals
Chicago’s Cayden Primeau posted 42 saves in the latest contest, yet the Griffins outshot the Wolves 46-20 and secured a 3-2 win in overtime thanks to Michael Brandsegg-Nygård’s decisive marker. John Leonard’s first postseason goal added a spark, underscoring Grand Rapids’ depth and shot generation.