One game at a time, Wolves stay focused on the moment
Tonight, the Chicago Wolves are going to play for the Calder Cup. But the message remains the same: stay in the moment.
Tonight, the Chicago Wolves are going to play for the Calder Cup. But the message remains the same: stay in the moment.
Situations like tonight, facing a critical Game 4 in the Calder Cup Finals, are where the Thunderbirds have relied on someone like their captain to lead the way.
Like a lot of the American Hockey League’s circle of experienced goaltenders, Alex Lyon understands his mandate.
Pressure is becoming rather routine for defenseman Matt Kessel and the Springfield Thunderbirds.
Both the Chicago Wolves and Springfield Thunderbirds have taken some hits, endured slumps and faced setbacks. But now they are both close to their ultimate goal. Each team is four wins away from a Calder Cup title.
The Chicago Wolves have done plenty of both developing and winning on their path to the Calder Cup Finals, their fifth Finals appearance since joining the league in 2001.
The Springfield Thunderbirds know what the chance to play for the Calder Cup means to their home city, a mainstay on the American Hockey League map since 1936.
No matter who ends up lifting the Calder Cup later this month, each of the 23 clubs that qualified to battle for this spring will all have something in common. Win or lose, they all will have sampled the high-pressure hockey that only the postseason can bring.
Back from two months in Calgary, Connor Mackey is fully immersed in Stockton’s ongoing battle to reach the Calder Cup Finals.
The Springfield Thunderbirds have that special something. Head coach Drew Bannister sees it. So does goaltender Charlie Lindgren. And no less than James Neal, he of 869 NHL games and two Stanley Cup Finals, can pinpoint it as well.