As I predicted, the Komets have left defenseman Maxsim Shirokov and forward Olivier Legault off their playoff roster. Shirokov will be available to other teams in a Tuesday waiver draft. Because Legault was placed on a non-roster spot, the Komets will retain his rights.
For most of this season, Shawn Degagne occupied the Komets' non-roster spot. He was the goalie who injured his shoulder before the season began and was ultimately replaced by Nick Boucher. Degagne will also be available to other teams.
The Komets can carry 19 players, plus two amateurs, during the playoffs. The amateurs will be Justin Hodgman and a new addition, defenseman Ken Dufresne, who had three goals and 32 points with Terrebonne in juniors.
The Komets will be unable to add any players in the playoffs, even if they lose, say, 10 players to injury. There is one exception: if they lose two goaltenders to injury, they can add an emergency goalie at that time. That goalie would have to be an amateur, so coach Al Sims' son, Tyler, is not an option.
Meanwhile, the playoff schedule has been finalized:
Game 1, Friday, at Memorial Coliseum, 8 p.m.
Game 2, Saturday, at Muskegon, 7:30 p.m.
Game 3, Sunday, at the Coliseum, 6 p.m.
Game 4, April 23, at Muskegon, 7:30 p.m.
Game 5, April 25, at the Coliseum, 8 p.m. *
Game 6, April 26, at Muskegon, 7:30 p.m. *
Game 7, April 29, at the Coliseum, 7:30 p.m. *
* if necessary
Now, I would have loved to be a fly on the wall for the negotiations about this 1-1-1-1-1-1-1 schedule. The Komets could have fought for a 2-3-2 format, but that would have left Muskegon with fewer weekend dates and that's where the money really is. So, and those who say Fort Wayne is bad for the league should take note, it seems the Komets bit the bullet for the financial good of another team. The downside is home-ice advantage is barely discernible here.
-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette
This restriction to the playoff roster has got to go. I realize that you don't want to have teams load up for the playoffs, but if a team gets serious injury problems, it could lead to disater, and does anyone really think that an amature goaltender is going to win a playoff series? I know it can be done, but come on. The IHL brass need to get real here.
Posted by: Greg | April 14, 2008 at 04:03 PM
Well that is understandable with Muskegon, there have been rumors that they will bolt for the junior league USHL next year. I do not see how this schedule benefits the K's until they get to the last 3 games in the series. Why win the division to have this type of set-up...
Posted by: ToeBlake | April 14, 2008 at 04:07 PM
Will Legault & Shirokov names appear on the cup if won? Hopr to see #82 back here next year.
Posted by: mightbite | April 14, 2008 at 04:21 PM
Muskegon is not going to the USHL.
Posted by: Justin Cohn | April 14, 2008 at 04:26 PM
When it comes down to it i'm still a hockey novice, but lets say one goalie breaks an arm game 1, does that mean we only dress 1 goalie game 2? Then say goalie 2 breaks his arm during game 2 and we don't have a back up dressed, does henley then throw on the pads?
I can't imagine any hockey league having a rule like that, thats bad business.
Maybe i just misread the above statement.
Posted by: Burgee | April 14, 2008 at 04:32 PM
Burgee, if one goalie gets injured they can dress a third, but he has to be an amature and can only play if the second is injured as well.
Posted by: Greg | April 14, 2008 at 04:41 PM
Correct.
Posted by: Justin Cohn | April 14, 2008 at 04:49 PM
that makes sense, i don't like it, but i understand why the rule is in place.
Posted by: Burgee | April 14, 2008 at 05:45 PM
Burgee, you have been around enough to know about hockey, such as:
DON'T WISH TWO BROKEN ARMS TO OUR TWO GOALIES!!!
LOL...
Posted by: Hoss | April 14, 2008 at 05:53 PM
The Komets gave up 7 weekend home games this season by playing during the week. The Fury sacrificed 3 home games. I would of fought for the 2-3-2 format.
Posted by: scoops | April 14, 2008 at 06:29 PM
I understand that it's nice to set up Musky w/ some weekend games, but this format is crap.
Look at Justin putting the USHL rumor to bed. You sure about that?
Posted by: Junior | April 14, 2008 at 06:49 PM
Why would the Komets want a 2-3-2 format??? If the series goes 5 games, 3 would have been in Muskegon (only 2 in FW), meaning the Komets lost out on the revenue from a home game.
Posted by: Pat | April 14, 2008 at 07:27 PM
Justin, are you sure about the 7:30 start time for game 1? A friend bought tickets during intermission Sunday and the Friday one states 8:00. I just checked the Komets' web site and it also shows 8:00.
Our friends live in Warsaw so if it is 7:30 I need to get in touch with them.
Posted by: Pixelcraft | April 14, 2008 at 07:29 PM
Justin, are you sure about the 7:30 start time for game 1? A friend bought tickets during intermission Sunday and the Friday one states 8:00. I just checked the Komets' web site and it also shows 8:00.
Our friends live in Warsaw so if it is 7:30 I need to get in touch with them.
Posted by: Pixelcraft | April 14, 2008 at 07:30 PM
Shoot, I'll correct that, thanks. It's 8 p.m.
Posted by: Justin Cohn | April 14, 2008 at 08:48 PM
Also I believe the PA guy announced that Sundays game is at 6 instead of 5 is that correct? Again if anyone wants to go to Muskegon Sat. or has room for one email me at [email protected] I am willing to drive and can have 2-3 passengers but if not takers I would like to hitch a ride with someone...email me either way..I want to go to every game of the playoffs this year. GO KOMETS!
Posted by: Tom | April 14, 2008 at 09:11 PM
Chase said Sunday's game is @ 6:00pm.
Posted by: kyle hunt | April 14, 2008 at 09:30 PM
during this ist round there were many building conflicts both here and in musk so in order to keep the series on track time wise with the other series then the here there format was all that fit. but what does it matter to all you who think we are invincible? we should win four in a row no matter where we play, right?
Posted by: chuckitt | April 15, 2008 at 10:55 AM