Monarchs on top

Don't look now, but the Manchester Monarchs have climbed to the top of the standings of the AHL's Atlantic Division. As of today they enjoy a comfortable six point lead in the most competitive of the four divisions.

Major reasons for the heads-up play of the Monarchs are the team effort for coach Mark Morris and spectacular play of goaltender Jason LaBarbera. He's first in the league in games played (31), second in wins (17), second in shutouts (4), fifth in GAA (2.35) and in a class of his own in shots faced (has some 10% more than the runner-up in this category).

The offensive powerhouse for the Monarchs is provided by the likes of Noah Clarke (12g, 16a), Patrick O'Sullivan (11g, 12a), and rookies Matt Moulson (8g, 14a), John Zeiler (10g, 10a) and TJ Kemp (3g, 17a). The Monarchs are still waiting for the full emergence of two forwards that we heavily counted upon before the AHL season started: Konstantin Pushkarev is currently at the level of 15 points (only four goals, though) and Lauri Tukonen (12 points for six goals and assists apiece).

As long as the Monarchs don't get the belated gift of Dan Cloutier being sent down to New Hampshire on a conditioning assignement (which has not been ruled out by the Kings brass), they might get themselves into a good position for the Calder Cup playoffs.