The 2008 Calder Cup Playoffs have moved into the division finals and each team is looking to advance to the conference finals. Each series features teams that have the ability to win at anytime. Here's an update from around the American Hockey League.

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins vs. Philadelphia Phantoms

Series tied 1-1

Game 1: Phantoms 5, Penguins 2
Game 2: Penguins 5, Phantoms 4 (OT)
Game 3: Penguins @ Phantoms, Monday 7:05 pm
Game 4: Penguins @ Phantoms, Wednesday 7:05 pm
Game 5: Phantoms @ Penguins, Friday 7:05 pm
*Game 6: Penguins @ Phantoms, Saturday 7:05 pm
*Game 7: Phantoms @ Penguins, May 13 7:05 pm
* - if necessary

Game 2 Summary: The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins were 20 minutes away from a 2-0 series deficit, but they used a three goal third period to force overtime against the now hot Philadelphia Phantoms. The Penguins needed only two minutes and seven seconds for Chris Minard to score the winning goal and tie the series at one. John Curry was rattled early in the game giving up four goals in the first 36:39 of the game, but was shutdown the rest of the way. Chris Minard had a three point game, and Alex Goligoski and Kurtis McLean had a two point game for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Tim Brent added to his league leading point total with a third period goal. Stefan Ruzicka, Ryan Potulny, Jared Ross, Boyd Kane, and Lars Jonsson all had two point games for Philadelphia.

Providence Bruins vs. Portland Pirates

Series tied 2-2

Game 1: Bruins 4, Pirates 0
Game 2: Bruins 7, Pirates 1
Game 3: Pirates 4, Bruins 3 (OT)
Game 4: Pirates 3, Bruins 2 (OT)
Game 5: Bruins @ Pirates, Tuesday 7:05
Game 6: Pirates @ Bruins, Friday 7:05
*Game 7: Pirates @ Bruins, Saturday 7:05
* - if necessary

Game 4 Summary: Overtime was needed once again as the Pirates were looking to even the series and not go down 3-1. Simon Ferguson scored his first goal of the playoffs, and J.S. Aubin made 33 saves to guide the Pirates to a series tying win. The Bruins had to battle back from being down 2-0 in the first period, but came up short even though they outshot Portland 35-24. Penalties were at a minimum as each team received three and both converted on one.

Toronto Marlies vs. Syracuse Crunch

Crunch lead series 2-0

Game 1: Crunch 5, Marlies 1
Game 2: Crunch 3, Marlies 1
Game 3: Marlies @ Crunch, Tuesday 7 pm
Game 4: Marlies @ Crunch, Wednesday 7 pm
*Game 5: Crunch @ Marlies, Friday 7:30 pm
*Game 6: Marlies @ Crunch, Saturday 7:30 pm
*Game 7: Crunch @ Marlies, May 12 7:30 pm
* - if necessary

Game 2 Summary: The Crunch continue to shine in the playoffs with yet another win over the top team from the North Division. Derek MacKenzie’s two points helped fuel the Crunch to a Game 2 win. Syracuse got stellar goaltending from Karl Goehring once again who made 44 saves. Toronto battled back late with a Bates Battaglia goal in the second period, but Syracuse closed the door with a Mark Rycroft empty net goal with 1:23 remaining. Toronto’s offense has been lackluster in the first two games, and they will need to get more production from the top three if they hope to win a game.

Chicago Wolves vs. Rockford IceHogs

Wolves lead series 2-1

Game 1: Wolves 4, IceHogs 1
Game 2: Wolves 7, IceHogs 3
Game 3: IceHogs 3, Wolves 1
Game 4: Wolves @ IceHogs, Wednesday 8 pm
Game 5: IceHogs @ Wolves, Friday 8:30 pm
*Game 6: Wolves @ IceHogs, May 11 5 pm
*Game 7: IceHogs @ Wolves, May 13 8 pm
* - if necessary

Game 3 Summary: Rockford was facing the possibility of going down 3-0 if they were unable to win Game 3. Rockford threw everything they had at Chicago’s Ondrej Pavelec, hoping that he would make a few mistakes. Rockford used two power play goals and two points apiece from Martin St. Pierre and Kris Versteeg to win the critical game. Rockford’s defense was able to hold Chicago’s top three scorers without a point.

Top Five Playoff Points Leaders

Tim Brent, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins - 13 points
Alex Goligoski, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins - 11 points
Jason Krog, Chicago Wolves - 11 points
Derek MacKenzie, Syracuse Crunch – 10 points
Chris Minard, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins – 9 points

Top Five Winning Goaltenders

Jean-Sebastien Aubin, Portland Pirates - 6
Karl Goehring, Syracuse Crunch - 6
Tuukka Rask, Providence Bruins - 6
Ondrej Pavelec, Chicago Wolves - 6
John Curry, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins - 5