The Milwaukee Admirals went to Rockford in the first round of the 2024-25 AHL playoffs down 0-2 in a best-of-five series. They were down, but they were most certainly not out.

Two big wins on the road brought the series back to Milwaukee on Mother's Day, in a game that needed overtime to settle who would move on between the division rivals. Fedor Svechkov played the hero’s role, scoring the overtime goal that pushed the Admirals to a 4-3 victory that punched Milwaukee’s ticket to the next round. Watch the goal with only the emotion that play-by-play announcer Aaron Sims can provide here:

With the victory, the Admirals advance to face the Texas Stars in another best-of-five series. Games one and two are set for Thursday night and Sunday night in Cedar Park, Texas. This marks the fourth straight year Milwaukee has reached the division finals and the third consecutive postseason matchup with Texas.

Game three, as well as the fourth and fifth games (if necessary) will take place at UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena. Let's just hope it doesn't require all five games and overtime again.

Central Division Finals (best-of-5)
Milwaukee Admirals vs. Texas Stars

• Game 1 – Thu., May 15 – Milwaukee at Texas, 7 p.m.
• Game 2 – Sun., May 18 – Milwaukee at Texas, 7 p.m.
• Game 3 – Wed., May 21 – Texas at Milwaukee, 7 p.m.
• *Game 4 – Fri., May 23 – Texas at Milwaukee, 7 p.m. (if necessary)
• *Game 5 – Sun., May 25 – Texas at Milwaukee, 6 p.m. (if necessary)

How they match up

Milwaukee earned the Central Division title this season, finishing just two points ahead of Texas in the standings. With similar records, American Hockey League rules gave Milwaukee the choice to host the final three games due to travel distance.

During the regular season, the Admirals held a narrow edge over the Stars, going 4-3-0-1. However, Texas had the upper hand at Panther Arena, where Milwaukee posted a 1-2-0-1 record. Goaltender Matt Murray, facing his former team, picked up the win in four of the teams' meetings this year.

Last year, Milwaukee defeated Texas in five games during the division semifinals, eventually reaching the Western Conference Finals. Hopefully having as many as three games in Milwaukee will work in the Admirals' favor as they continue to advance on their way to a Calder Cup.

Tickets for game three, as well as the if-necessary games at UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena are on sale now via the Milwaukee Admirals website. You can also watch games one and two with your fellow Admirals fans at Major Goolsbys, where the team will be hosting watch parties for all road playoff games this season.

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