Photos: Tucson Roadrunners 3-2 San Diego Gulls, AHL action
Roadrunners clinch the western conference regular season championship with a 3-2 win against San Diego in their penultimate home game at Tucson Arena, Tucson, Ariz.
Tucson vs San Diego
The puck hits net after a shot from Tucson right wing Mario Kempe beats San Diego Gulls goaltender Kevin Boyle (33) from an extreme angle for the game winner late in the third period of a 3-2 Roadrunners win at Tucson Arena, Friday, April 13, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
Tucson vs San Diego
Tucson Roadrunners left wing Trevor Cheek (39) left, celebrates with goaltender Adin Hill (33) as right wing Mike Sislo (9) skates up to join in after notching a late 3-2 win versus the San Diego Gulls at Tucson Arena, Friday, April 13, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
Tucson vs San Diego
Tucson Roadrunners left wing Trevor Cheek (39) has a difference of opinion with one of the game officials after being admonished for his actions during a face-off against the San Diego Gulls in the third period of their AHL game at Tucson Arena, Friday, April 13, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
Tucson vs San Diego
Tucson Roadrunners right wing Mario Kempe (20) pokes home a power play goal through San Diego Gulls goaltender Kevin Boyle (33) to give the Roadrunners a brief 2-1 lead in the second period of their AHL game at Tucson Arena, Friday, April 13, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
Tucson vs San Diego
San Diego Gulls left wing Kalle Kossila (14) gets just enough of Tucson Roadrunners left wing Tye McGinn (16) to blunt his rush up the middle in the first period of their AHL game at Tucson Arena, Friday, April 13, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
Tucson vs San Diego
Tucson Roadrunners center Dylan Strome (91) jostles with San Diego Gulls defenseman Jaycob Megna for control of a loose puck in the first period of their AHL game at Tucson Arena, Friday, April 13, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
Tucson vs San Diego
Tucson Roadrunners center Dylan Strome comes out to ice side for few minutes just after the doors opened at Tucson Arena for the game against the San Diego Gulls, Friday, April 13, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
Tucson vs San Diego
San Diego Gulls left wing Kevin Roy (9) can't quite reach Tucson Roadrunners left wing Lawson Crouse on an offensive thrust in the second period of their AHL game at Tucson Arena, Friday, April 13, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
Tucson vs San Diego
It's an eye opening experience for a fan as San Diego Gulls defenseman Brian Cooper (6) and Tucson Roadrunners left wing Trevor Cheek (39) slam into the nearby glass in the second period of their AHL game at Tucson Arena, Friday, April 13, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
Tucson vs San Diego
San Diego Gulls right wing Kyle Thomas (38) goes down under pressure from behind by Tucson Roadrunners defenseman Joel Hanley (44) in the second period of their AHL game at Tucson Arena, Friday, April 13, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
Tucson vs San Diego
San Diego Gulls defenseman Steve Oleksy (7) and Tucson Roadrunners left wing Michael Bunting (27) get into a low-level scuffle as things heat up in the third period of their AHL game at Tucson Arena, Friday, April 13, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
Tucson vs San Diego
Tucson Roadrunners right wing Mario Kempe (20) skates to the glass to celebrate with the fans after slotting home the game winner in the third period of a 3-2 victory against the San Diego Gulls at Tucson Arena, Friday, April 13, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
From Tucson being a "hockey town," to the unusual series format, check out what the Roadrunners had to say as they prepare for a run at the 20…