Thunder Thursday: Thunder Eliminated From Kelly Cup Playoffs

The Adirondack Thunder (Calgary Flames affiliate) were officially eliminated from the Kelly Cup Playoffs in the ECHL on Tuesday night in front of the hometown fans. Last we left off, the Thunder were down 2 games to 1 heading into last Thursday.

Last Thursday, the Thunder outshot the Manchester Monarchs 30-16, but could not put up more than a single goal from Cullen Bradshaw, assisted by Kevin Lough and Greg Wolfe. The Monarchs won by a score of 2-1, taking a 3 games to 1 stranglehold of the series. J.P. Anderson allowed 2 goals on 16 shots.

Saturday’s game was a gritty battle full of penalties. Fourteen penalties totalling 40 minutes in all! The Thunder struck first with Peter MacArthur tallying, with assists from Keegan Kanzig and Brett Pollock. The Monarchs tied the game before the end of the 1st period, and there was no scoring in the 2nd. Just 3:03 into the 3rd, Dennis Kravchenko scored what would be the game winner, assisted by Brock Montgomery and Brian Ward. J.P. Anderson stopped 25 of 26 shots for the win.

Tuesday’s game was a wide open shootout as both teams were desperate for a win. One to close out the series and one to stay alive and force Game 7. The teams exchanged goals back and forth until regulation ended in a 5-5 tie. Then the Monarchs put the dagger in the Thunder hearts and season at 2:57 of the overtime period. Dennis Kravchenko scored 2 goals, Brian Ward, James Henry, and Patch Alber each had a goal. Ryan Culkin had 3 assists, Cameron Brown had 2 assists, and Patch Alber, James Henry, Peter MacArthur and Brandon Baddock each had 1 assist. J.P. Anderson allowed 6 goals on 43 shots.

With the win, the Monarchs move on to the 2nd round to face the Brampton Beast, and the Thunder are done for the season.

Check the Adirondack Thunder website for more news and information about the Calgary Flames ECHL affiliate.