MARLIES DEFEAT THE HEAT (4-1) IN THE WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS
1. Scrivens Stellar: The Series MVP, without a doubt, was Ben Scrivens – if such an award were to exist his name would need to be typed in bold, and underlined. A bright future ahead for the Cornell grad. The only question that remains is if he’s ready to make the jump to the big team down the street in Toronto next year – the coming weeks may lend some insights. Scrivens gave his team a chance to win on each night, and finishes the series with just seven goals against in five games. Tip yer hat.
2. Banner Campaign Concluded: The most successful season in Heat history has come to an end. Where to start? Winning streak? Point total? All-Stars? Road Wins? First ever series sweep? New single season records? There were a huge number of franchise marks bested this season. Much of the history and record book is now written in 2011-12 ink. This will be a season from which other seasons are measured for years to come. Congrats are due to a hardworking and committed group of great men. Tough to hear that on the night that hockey ended in B.C. this Spring, but still worth pointing out.
3. Waiting Game: The other Conference Semifinal out West sees the Oklahoma City Barons and the San Antonio Rampage just three games into their best-of-seven series. The Marlies will be able heal their wounds and get some rest before Round 3 begins. The Barons lead their series 2-1 with a pair of overtime wins to their credit. Games 4 & 5 go Thursday and Friday night. Speaking of O.T., Wednesday night’s Heat season finale was the first ever Heat Calder Cup Playoff overtime appearance.
