THE MANCHESTER MONARCHS have pulled a lion out of their hat.
Before last night's first-ever game in Rockford, Ill., against the Chicago Blackhawks-affiliate IceHogs, the Monarchs had won six in a row on the road, climbing out of the emotional depths to fifth in the seven-team Atlantic Division.
Presto. Chango.
They are back in playoff contention.
The defending division champion Monarchs are one win behind fourth-place Springfield, which sits in the last playoff position. Manchester's road run could be reminiscent of last year's 13-game overall win streak from mid-January into February that lifted it to the top of the division. The only problem with this year's Monarchs is their franchise-worst six-game losing streak back at home. Add it up and it's a big fat .500 that ultimately should gain no ground.
Monarchs Insider: Clawing back into the race 
