The San Jose Sharks' American Hockey League affiliate, the San Jose Barracuda, are just about set to kick off their playoff run, starting with a series against the Henderson Silver Knights.
The series will be a best-of-three, with the winner advancing to the Division Semifinals. Despite the Barracuda technically being designated as the home team for Game 2 of the series, all three games will be held at Lee's Family Forum in Henderson, NV. As a result, the Barracuda will have the last change before a face-off in Game 2.
Game 1 - Wed., Apr. 22 - San Jose at Henderson, 7:00 P.M. PT
Game 2 - Fri., Apr. 24 - San Jose at Henderson, 7:00 P.M. PT
*Game 3 - Sun., Apr. 26 - San Jose at Henderson, 3:00 P.M. PT
*If needed.
The Silver Knights are undoubtedly the favorites heading into the series, given the Barracuda's struggles as of late. San Jose have won just two of their last 12 games heading into the playoffs, however they did get some reinforcements in the form of Igor Chernyshov and Luca Cagnoni being re-assigned to the AHL.
Sharks general manager Mike Grier also didn't rule out the possibility of Eric Pohlkamp from the University of Denver or Leo Sahlin Wallenius from the Vaxjo Lakers making the jump to the AHL for a couple of games, but it does seem unlikely at this stage as he noted both seem to be "banged up".