The Milwaukee Admirals, the top development affiliate of the Nashville Predators, have had a rough 2019. A mediocre January followed by a dismal February (where they won 1 game) put a damper on what had been a strong 2018. With 11 games left in the season, where do the Admirals sit and what do their playoff chances look like?
On Saturday, the Admirals lost in a shootout to the Grand Rapids Griffins even after resting since the preceding Wednesday. The Griffins have given the Admirals a lot of trouble this season. At the time of writing, the Admirals say in 6th place with 67-points behind the Texas Stars (69) and the Rockford IceHogs who are now holding onto 4th with 70. Rockford has one game in hand over Texas and Milwaukee who have both played 65. In order to qualify for the Calder Cup playoffs, the Admirals need to secure 4th place for themselves.
The Admirals’ next three matchups are against the Rockford IceHogs. They play one game at home on Friday and then in Rockford on Saturday and the following Wednesday. If the Admirals are going to fight their way into 4th, these three matchups against Rockford could not be more important. Picking up six points and denying Rockford any would give Milwaukee a nice lead going into the final 8 games of the season where they will face some tougher opponents.
Following those three matchups with Rockford, the Admirals will face Chicago and Grand Rapids twice, Iowa and San Antonio once, and then Rockford two more times before the end of the season. The Admirals have struggled with Chicago, Grand Rapids, and Iowa all season. Milwaukee’s best chances come in their matchups against Rockford and San Antonio. Rockford makes up 10 possible points out of the 22 available for the rest of the season. The Admirals are 3-4 against Rockford so far this season.
Equally as important as what the Admirals have next is what the Texas Stars have coming their way. Their schedule is slightly easier than Milwaukee’s, but not much. The Stars have Iowa twice which will be a tough pairing for them and get to see Grand Rapids and Chicago more than once. Their easy matchups come from Manitoba and two pairings with San Antonio. If the Admirals fail to clinch a playoff spot, I believe it will be at the hands of a strong finish for Texas.
It won’t be an easy final 11 games for the Admirals, but making the playoffs would be a tremendous accomplishment for them. Their next three games against Rockford are of utmost importance and will set the tone for the rest of this season. If the Admirals miss out on a playoff position, this will be the second season in a row that the Admirals have not made the Calder Cup playoffs.
