The Puck Stops Here

The second round of the AHL Calder Cup playoffs has completed. Look back at round one here. Here is a second round update.

Manchester Monarchs defeated Providence Bruins 4 games to 2 Manchester, the LA Kings affiliate, won on the strength of forwards Patrick O'Sullivan and Marty Murray and defenceman Oleg Tverdovsky. Providence, the Boston affiliate, couldn't keep up despite second highest scorer in the playoffs so far David Krejci and Sean Curry scoring for them. In many ways, it was goaltender Hannu Toivonen who let them down, for a player once thought to be a Calder Trophy candidate, he has failed to live up to his initial billing.

Hershey Bears defeated Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins 4 games to 1 Hershey, the Washington affiliate, was led by Scott Barney, Thomas Fleischmann and Dave Steckel. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, the Pittsburgh affiliate with some Edmonton players as well, came up short in an overtime filled series despite the offence from Robert Nilsson, Micki DuPont and Marc-Antoine Pouliot.

Hamilton Bulldogs defeated Manitoba Moose 4 games to 2 Hamilton, the Montreal affiliate, relied on strong goaltending from Carey Price and offence from Corey Locke to beat Manitoba, the Vancouver affiliate, who was led by Jason Jaffray and Lee Goren.

Chicago Wolves beat Iowa Stars 4 games to 2 Chicago, the Atlanta affiliate is led offensively by Darren Haydar (playoff top scorer), Jason Krog and Brett Sterling, with a strong goaltending performance by Michael Garnett. Iowa, the Dallas affiliate, relied on Junior Lessard and Joel Lundqvist to provide offence.

In the semi-finals, Manchester will face defending Calder Cup champs Hershey and Hamilton will face Chicago.