CHL President's Cup Playoff Bracket

Three of the four Central Hockey League playoff series are knotted at a game apiece, but in one Northern Conference semi-final, the Indianapolis Ice have taken a commanding 2-0 lead over the Amarillo Gorillas in the best of five opening round, and will have as many as three opportunities to clinch advancing to the Northern Conference Finals. Courtesy of 4-2 and 3-2 home ice wins last weekend, the Ice visit the Amarillo Civic Center optimistic about their chances of advancing. Standing in their way is a resilient Gorillas club that played well in the two opening games but came up just short.

Amarillo Globe-News Coverage

A certain key to tonight’s Game 3 will be the effectiveness of both clubs power play units. Indianapolis has two man advantage tallies in twelve chances, including Ryan Carter’s game winning marker with just 25 seconds left in Game 2, while Amarillo has just Brandon Carper’s Game 1 power play goal to show for eight opportunities. The Gorillas were outstanding on home ice to finish the regular season, winning 11 of their last 12 games while averaging just two goals against in each victory. The smaller ice surface at the Amarillo Civic Center will also likely help the Gorillas, who will be far more accustomed to the nuances while playing in front of their home crowd.

Indianapolis, of course, would like nothing better than to come out of Game 3 with a win and a healthy rest period prior to the Northern Conference Finals. Ice Head Coach Ken McRae knows better than to take anything for granted in a short series, and will likely have his team playing inspired hockey in an effort to guarantee several days of rest with a win.