Digging in for Game 1

Both Hershey and Milwaukee swept to first round victories and have been forced to endure relatively long waits to start their next series. One of the seemingly obvious advantages the Aeros have tonight is playing a team that is, for lack of a better word, rusty. But they are also hungry, and top to bottom, they are arguably the most talented team of the remaining eight in the playoffs.

Some call for a sweep in this round, which would make eight straight Admirals wins over the Aeros in the playoffs. Some say the series will make it back to Milwaukee and one guy (that would be John Royal, the new Prez of the Sunshine Club) thinks the Aeros are going to win this thing.

My official prediction is Milwaukee in seven, as I can no longer discount the "no-quit" in this year's Aeros team. I don't think the Admirals will sweep, and I think the Aeros will win one of the games at Bradley Center.

Milwaukee's streak will end tonight or Saturday, and speaking of hot starts, here is a look at the best starts to a postseason in recent AHL history:

(From AHL Media Relations)

Most wins from start of postseason:

12 – Hershey, 1988 (went 12-0)

10 – Hershey, 2006 (Beat Milwaukee in the Finals)

9 – Rochester, 1996

9 – Cleveland, 1964 (went 9-0)

8 – Nova Scotia, 1973

8 – Springfield, 1961 (went 8-0)

8 – Indianapolis, 1950 (went 8-0)

7 – Providence, 2000

7 – Pittsburgh, 1951