Before we review the outcome of Game 7 of the Turner Conference finals, let's discuss for a moment what's going on with the schedule for the President's Cup finals between the Komets and the Wichita Thunder.
That series starts Saturday in Kansas but they've only determined the dates of the first four games: Click here.
Normally, that stuff is determined before the opponents are even finalized, so what's the holdup? I'll bet the Komets and Thunder are bickering over whether it'll be a 2-3-2 or 2-2-1-1-1 formatted series.
In my opinion, even though I'm a bigger fan of 2-2-1-1-1, if it's not 2-3-2, it'll be a travesty.
Why? First of all, if the CHL was willing to go with a 2-3-2 for the Turner Conference finals because, among other things, a 10-hour drive separated Fort Wayne and Independence, Mo., I don't see how you can not use the same rationale for teams that are 13 hours apart.
The Komets are at a big disadvantage to begin with, considering they get only a day off between series, while the Thunder have been resting since Monday. The Thunder should take the Saturday-Sunday start to this series -- which will come with bigger gates than weekday games -- and be content.
If I were the Komets, I would be angry they have to play so soon, and fight tooth and nail for a 2-3-2.
Remember, the Komets had that wacky 2-2-1-2 series with Rapid City, S.D., in the first round. That was because of building availability, so it was Fort Wayne's own fault.
But at some point, the CHL should step in and say, simply, what format will provide the best hockey, and the fairest outcome, for the fans. And some of those fans will want to go to all of the games. It won't be 2-2-1-1-1.
The Komets' travel in these playoffs has been unreal. I'm about to make my 13th through 16th airplane flights of the playoffs. The players are riding a bus.
Or, maybe I'm way off base and the holdup has nothing to do with the format, but I doubt it.
- I hope you will check out my video recap of the Komets' 6-4 victory Thursday. Especially if you didn't get to see the game, I think you'll find it exciting. Click here.
- To read my story of the game, click here.
- Ben Smith's column: Click here.
- To see a photo gallery from the game, click here.
- For the Wichita fans just joining us, I can be found on Twitter -- @jgkomets -- and I'm active all the time, even during games, on there.
- For some coverage out of Missouri, click here. Credit to coach Scott Hillman for not complaining about the officiating. It was tough to see referee Boone Bruggman call so many penalties in a Game 7, but I thought he called it evenly and fairly. I really enjoyed covering the Mavericks; class acts with very few exceptions.
- I will be making the trip to Kansas today. I'm the only reporter who has been at all of the Komets' playoff games this year, so make sure you keep checking back for more coverage.
