MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The AHL Playoff will get started this week, but the Milwaukee Admirals will have some well-earned time off. Milwaukee earned their break by winning the Central Division for the second straight season despite a ton of roster changes.
There's always some movement in the AHL, but thanks to injuries and call-ups this season was different. Milwaukee won the division despite not having a single player in the top 45 for goals or points.
Head coach Karl Taylor says, "This group has a stiff spine. I've said that all year. There's lots of things they've been challenged with and to be able to hold. It's easy to take the side door but they just stared it down and continued moving forward."
"Guys stepped up," adds leading goal scorer Jake Lucchini. "I think we've done a good job of keeping a level head and going about every day one day at a time. Doing a really good job of playing four lines."
One place that hasn't had many changes is in net. Matt Murray has been nothing short of dominant since signing as a free agent leading the league in wins and save percentage.
"To me, he's the best goalie in the league this year with his performance. He's been outstanding," says coach Taylor.
Murray added, "I think I've grown a lot. I think I came in to start this year viewed as a second chance guy. I felt like I had a lot to prove, and I really dialed it in."
The Admirals don't know who they'll start the playoffs against, but they do know when. Game one against either the IceHogs or Wolves will be at home Thursday, May 1.