IceCaps Playoff Forecast | ‘Caps Host Crunch to Open Calder Cup Playoffs

Danielle Barnes

April 19, 2017

IceCaps Playoff Forecast | ‘Caps Host Crunch to Open Calder Cup Playoffs — (Photo by Douglas Browne | Rocket Sports Media)

IceCaps Weekly Forecast gives a first look of the week ahead for your St. John’s IceCaps. Staff writer Danielle Barnes maps out the schedule, provides a statistical comparison of each matchup, identifies players to watch, as well as goaltenders and notes for each team. Refer to this page as your guide for each game in the IceCaps schedule this week.

by Danielle Barnes, Staff Writer, AHL Report

(Photo by Douglas Browne | Rocket Sports Media)

ST JOHN’S, NL. — This week, the St. John’s IceCaps face the Syracuse Crunch in round one of the Calder Cup Playoffs. The two teams will meet in St. John’s for a pair on the 21^st and 22^nd.

Calendar: April 17 – 23
MON	TUE	WED	THU	FRI	SAT	SUN

				HOME	HOME

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St. John’s IceCaps
Following a win against the Toronto Marlies last week, the IceCaps were able to pull ahead of the Utica Comets and clinch a playoff position. The ‘Caps and the Crunch have been evenly matched this season, resulting in four wins for the ‘Caps and four wins for the Crunch. The IceCaps will have to work hard to defeat the division leaders this week, in attempts to move to the next playoff round.
Players to Watch
Joel Hanley – Hanley has been named the team’s top defenceman of the year. He has 22 points in 65 games played. Jacob de la Rose – De le Rose was given the fans choice award on the 14^th. He has 31 points in 62 games played
Notes	Goaltenders
Chris Terry scored his 30^th goal this season against the Toronto Marlies on the 15^th.	Lindgren 24-18-6 \| 2.56 GAA \| .667 Sv% Danis 11-9-4 \| 2.99 GAA \| .833 Sv%

Friday and Saturday April 21st, 22nd

Syracuse Crunch

The Syracuse Crunch clinched the North division title with 90 points, just ahead of the Toronto Marlies with 89. The Crunch have remained strong all season, and held an undefeated streak from April 8^th to the 15^th. While the team remains ahead of the ‘Caps in the special teams penalty kill, they are fall behind them in the power-play. This may take a toll on them this week, as the ‘Caps have the home team advantage as well.

Players to Watch

Jonathan Racine – Racine has the most penalty minutes on the team with an average of 2.47 minutes per game, and 136 minutes in total.
Matt Taormina – Taormina is the second defenseman leader in the league with 60 points in 70 games played.

Notes

Goaltenders

Yanni Gourde was given the Syracuse Crunch MVP award for the 2016-2017 season (Syracuse Crunch 2017).

Gudlevskis 15-10-7 | 2.65 GAA | .600
McKenna 14-15-10 | 2.84 GAA | .750 Sv%

Matchup

April 21st, 22nd | St. John’s, NL

ICECAPS	(regular season statistics)	CRUNCH
82 (4th)	Points (Div. Rank)	90 (1st)
36-30-8-2	Record	38-24-7-7
17-15-5-1 (home)	Home/Away Record	19-15-3-1 (away)
.539	Winning Percentage	.592
216	Goals For	232
220	Goals Against	227
19.2%	Power-play	16.4%
80.4%	Penalty-kill	83.7%

Regular Season Series (select links for recaps)

November 29, 2016 | SYR v STJ |Crunch – IceCaps: Penalty Parade Hands Syracuse A Win
November 30, 2016 | SYR v STJ |Crunch – IceCaps: Another Shootout, Another Win
December 31, 2016 | STJ v SYR |IceCaps – Crunch: Emotions Run High in Syracuse
January 7, 2016 | STJ v SYR |IceCaps – Crunch: Heading Home on a High Note
February 18, 2016 | SYR v STJ | IceCaps: ‘Caps Offence Wakes Up Against Division Leaders
February 19, 2016 |SYR v STJ | Crunch – IceCaps: Terry Scores Twice, Reaches 20 Goal Mark
March 8, 2016 | STJ v SYR | RECAP | IceCaps – Crunch: Penalties Haunt Caps Once Again
March 11, 2016 | STJ v SYR | RECAP | IceCaps – Crunch: Caps Finish Road Trip with Exciting OT Victory

Friday and Saturday April 21st, 22nd

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