Roadrunners' Road to Playoffs: Discipline & Skill

0:00It's March 7th, here's your NHL news in two minutes. Subscribe to stay locked in all season. The Tucson Roadrunners sit just one point ahead of the Henderson Silver Knights for the final playoff spot in the Pacific Division with less than two months left in the American Hockey League season. After a so-so, February packed with mostly road games, the team finished four wins and three losses away from home, helping them stay in contention, despite two home losses. They're the Utah mammoths top affiliate and have a stronger record on the road this year, at 13 wins, nine losses and two ties. The annual Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, now in its 71st year, took over their arena again, forcing the roadrunners to travel across the West. Coast, including trips to Alberta and California. Players turn the chaos into a positive, using extra time together for team bonding over meals and practices back in Arizona. That road focus has built confidence, especially for newcomers like recent call-up, Jack Ricketts.

1:03Fans and players see the silver lining in those miles, with the Fenceman Dmitry Simmyshev shining at the AHL All-Star Challenge in Rockford. He placed fifth and fastest skater, seventh in hardest shot, and helped the Pacific Division win the tournament. Meanwhile, eight roadrunners got NHL call-ups during the Olympic break for what felt like a second training camp, giving prospects like Simmyshev and Maverick Lemoro a taste of the big leagues. Coach's point to discipline is the key fix, with the leagues' worst penalty killed dragging them down alongside a middling power play. Cameron Hevich hit franchise records for assists, and the team eyes the March 13th AHL trade deadline for tweaks, though no big moves yet. Goals like Hevich's slick backhand winner against Coachella Valley highlighted their skill. Coach kicks off with four road games in California, against San Jose, Ontario, and Bakersfield, then a huge home series versus Henderson. Twelve of their last 20 games are away, including a late seven game trip, so staying sharp

2:04everywhere would decide their playoff fate. They control their destiny now. This story is shared with support from our sponsor. Press play, put your head down, the sound is already there. S-O-L-L-I, solely pillow.com.