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Today in the “A”: Falcons Gain Ground

The talk for many years in pro sports has revolved around the word parity. Looking at the Eastern Conference standings of the AHL, one has to think that the top development league on the planet has achieved parity in a big way.

After Friday night’s games, 65 points is the playoff benchmark in the East. Two teams are currently in (Worcester and Manchester), with 65 points each. Following those two, three more clubs (Albany, Syracuse and Springfield) have 64 points. One point deciding five spots is amazing. Stepping back slightly, positions 7 through 14 are only separated by four points. Four points!

On Friday, the Norfolk Admirals continued their own incredible brush with history when they steamrolled the Charlotte Checkers 7-2, tying a league record with their 17th consecutive victory. Scores and schedule after the jump:

Meanwhile, in games that hit a bit closer to home:

Bridgeport 2 at Connecticut 3
Chad Johnson turned in a 38 save performance propelling the Whale back into the Northeast Division lead.

Adirondack 3 at Hershey 6
The Phantoms sorely needed at least a point in this one. The schedule gods were not with them, drawing one of the league’s better home clubs.

Albany 2 at Binghamton 4
Last year’s Calder Cup champs are on life support and this was both a major win for them as well as a big blow to the Devils. Albany should have had two points in this one.

Rochester 3 at Syracuse 4
The Crunch took the two points in a physical contest. Nick Schaus and Brandon McMillan paced the Syracuse attack.

Providence 2 at Worcester 5
The Sharks made amends for last Saturday night’s blanking at the hands of Michael Hutchinson. Brian O’Hanley earned the game’s top star award while Tyson Sexsmith made 21 saves to earn the victory.

Game of interest on Saturday night:

Springfield at Connecticut
The Falcons need to follow up Friday night’s defensive gem with another one just like it in Hartford.

Albany at Hershey
The Devils let one slip away in Bingo on Friday. Saturday night in Hershey will be a tough task for them.

Bridgeport at Portland
Both clubs lost on Friday night. Like all the teams hovering around the eighth playoff spot, the Pirates simply cannot afford to lose this hockey game.

Worcester at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton
The Sharks should have some momentum after their big home win on Friday. However, that long bus ride may be an unpleasant equalizer for them.

Adirondack at Syracuse
Syracuse is on a modest three game winning streak, while the Phantoms have dropped two in a row. The Falcons are sandwiched between both teams. It’s too bad one of them will take away two points!

Stay tuned to The Cannon as the Falcons continue their playoff push!