Joel Hofer stopped 34 shots when the Springfield Thunderbirds beat Charlotte Checkers 5-1 on Saturday night to advance to the American Hockey League Eastern Conference Finals.
For the fourth time in multiple playoff starts, Hofer faced at least 35 shots and was undefeated for the Thunderbirds. St. Louis also got an assist. Louis Blues in the 2018 fourth-round pick in the game on Saturday.
The Thunderbirds have signed a second consecutive sweep since the start of the playoffs and they already have an appointment with Laval Rocket, the Montreal Canadiens ’school club.
The two teams will advance to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in their history. The first duel of this best-of-seven series will take place on Saturday, June 4th.
For the occasion, the Thunderbirds could welcome the return of goaltender Charlie Lindgren, a former Rocket who played several games with the Blues this season.
Dakota Joshua had a goal and assist for the Massachusetts squad. Veterans James Neal, Nikita Alexandrov, Hugh McGing and Mackenzie MacEachern also moved the ropes.
Max McCormick scored the lone goal for the Checkers, Florida Panthers and Seattle Kraken farm club. Joey Daccord blocked 25 of 29 shots aimed at him.
Source: Radio-Canada
