Despite the Nashville Predators’ early exit from the playoffs, their AHL affiliate Milwaukee Admirals have rallied with two consecutive wins in the Calder Cup Playoffs. The Admirals will host a decisive Game 7 at home on Sunday.
Predators fans have shown great interest in following the Admirals’ playoff run, as it allows them to watch the development of top prospects like Philip Tomasino, Juuso Parssinen, and Zach L’Heureux, who have taken center stage.
The Admirals have home-ice advantage in their Central Division Semifinal matchup against the Texas Stars, the Dallas Stars’ AHL affiliate. After dropping the first two games on the road, the Admirals needed to win three straight at home to stay alive. They have now won two in a row, setting up a crucial Game 7.
In the Admirals’ 4-1 Game 6 victory, L’Heureux scored two goals, Tomasino added one, and Parssinen sealed the win with an empty-net goal, eliminating the Stars and keeping the Admirals’ playoff hopes alive.
Instant Analysis with Aaron Sims#MILhockey | @aaronadmirals pic.twitter.com/uOMqYteNu3
— Milwaukee Admirals (@mkeadmirals) May 11, 2024
L’Heureux has been a standout performer in the playoffs, tallying seven points in four games, showcasing his potential for the upcoming Predators training camp.
There is a close watch on Tomasino’s performance with the Admirals, especially after a challenging 2023-24 season with the Predators where he faced limited playing time. Head Coach Andrew Brunette’s expectations for Tomasino moving forward are uncertain at best.
Full quote from Andrew Brunette on Philip Tomasino.
“If he puts the work in and is relentless then his skill will take over. But if he at different times this year, he wanted the skill first without the work, I’m not sure he has a chance to play for us next year.” #Preds
— Nick Kieser🏒 (@KieserNick) May 8, 2024
Tomasino appears rejuvenated while playing for the Admirals, and there is a strong desire for the team to win Game 7 to provide valuable playoff experience for him and other aspiring NHL prospects.
Parssinen, who unexpectedly saw reduced NHL ice time and was reassigned to the Admirals, has adapted well and contributed significantly in the Calder Cup Playoffs with five points, including four assists, in three games.
The Admirals boast a formidable team, but they face a tough challenge from the Texas Stars, affiliated with the Dallas Stars, who are aiming for the 2024 Stanley Cup. Mavrik Bourque, a standout prospect for the Stars, has been impressive with 77 points in the AHL regular season and 10 points in the playoffs.
In goal, there has been a change for the Admirals with Yaroslav Askarov starting the first two games but being replaced by AHL veteran Troy Grosenick, who has been solid in the net, allowing just four goals on 56 shots in his two playoff starts.
Defenseman Spencer Stastney has been recalled by the Admirals to bolster the defensive lineup after recovering from an injury sustained during the Predators’ series against the Vancouver Canucks. His availability for Game 5 is worth monitoring.
Before Game 3, Mark Jankowski provided a motivational boost in the Admirals’ locker room. Jankowski, who played a significant role for the Predators in the previous season, has transitioned to a full-time position and played crucial minutes during the 2023-24 season.
got the energy tonight from a VERY special guest 🔥
HI JANKO#MILhockey pic.twitter.com/gp33OUu8p8
— Milwaukee Admirals (@mkeadmirals) May 9, 2024
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