Editor's note: This is the second installment of Admirals Playoff Diary, OnMilwaukee.coms exclusive look at the Milwaukee Admrials as they progress through the American Hockey League playoffs in search of their second Calder Cup championship in three years.
THE TRAVEL IN THIS SERIES CAN TAKE a pretty heavy toll. You play really hard on the night before, then you have to get on a plane early in the morning and travel to Houston. It is a long flight -- I think its about three hours -- then you know you basically get to eat, try to take a nap and then you play again.
Pre-game meal is usually chicken and pasta; just normal things you know you get kind of sick of it all year, but you need the carbs and the protein so you eat and try to be refueled. You are basically playing two games in less than 48 hours, so it takes a pretty big toll on your body.
Since I didnt get to bed until about one or two in the morning, the nap becomes as important for me as it does for my baby daughter. I usually sleep for about an hour or an hour and a half and then I am ready to get up and go.
Monday is a day off and I am not exactly sure what I will do. Ill probably play cards with the boys, and find a place to eat, just try to avoid sitting in the hotel all day long. I do know that I will be doing a little Mothers Day shopping for my wife, since its her first one. I have no idea what I am going to get her yet, but that all right. I do my best work under pressure.
Luckily for me, my moms birthday is on May 11, so I can combine Mothers Day and her birthday into one big present. I will probably send her some really nice flowers and maybe another present.
