Eastern Conference Final
Best of 7
Chicago Hitmen (45-29-6) vs Philadelphia Freedom (45-26-9)
Game 1: Chicago 2, Philadelphia 1
Game 2: Philadelphia 4, Chicago 2
Game 3: Philadelphia 5, Chicago 1
Game 4: Philadelphia 7, Chicago 2
Game 5: Philadelphia 6, Chicago 5
A wild, 7-goal third period in Game 5 may well serve as the coming out party for Philadelphia's Gordie Howe, whose potential has been talked about for two years and in a 20-minute stretch everyone finally understood why. Howe scored FOUR goals in the third period of the decisive game - after going scoreless in the first four - giving the Freedom a 4-1 series victory and a trip to the AHA Cup Final.
Western Conference Final
Best of 7
Calgary Stampede (43-25-12) vs San Diego Condors (44-26-10)
Game 1: San Diego 3, Calgary 0
Game 2: San Diego 5, Calgary 2
Game 3: Calgary 3, San Diego 1
Game 4: Calgary 3, San Diego 2
Game 5: Calgary 4, San Diego 1
Game 6: Calgary 3, San Diego 2
One point separated them in the standings during the 80-game regular season, so the expectation was a tight series. And tight it was, but in the end the defending champs showed championship mettle, locking down San Diego's attack with strong defense and terrific goaltending from Sean Burke, as the Condors managed only 6 goals over the final four games of the series, all losses, after taking a 2-0 series lead at home. Burke outplayed presumptive goaltender of the year Patrick Roy, who was good not great in the series. Now, the Stampede get a chance to repeat as champions!
GH