Bruins lock up division title

The Providence Bruins clinched the Atlantic Division title on Wednesday night when the Portland Pirates dropped a 4-3 decision to the St. John’s IceCaps at Mile One Centre.

The Bruins own the AHL’s best record at 44-21-0-5 (93 points) with six games remaining. They will be one of the top three seeds in the Eastern Conference for the 2013 Calder Cup Playoffs, and are currently two points ahead of Northeast Division champion Springfield and three up on East Division leader Syracuse.

This is Providence’s fifth division crown in 21 seasons of play in the AHL, following first-place finishes in 1993, 1999, 2003 and 2008. The Bruins, who reached the conference final round of the Calder Cup Playoffs five times between 1999 and 2009, are returning to the postseason after a three-year absence.

For winning the Atlantic Division, the Bruins will be presented with the Emile Francis Trophy.