Monarchs, juniors update

The Manchester Monarchs’ bid to pull a stunning playoff upset took a hit last night, as the Monarchs — the Kings’ American Hockey League affiliate — lost 5-2 to the Norfolk Admirals last night in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series. Norfolk now leads the best-of-five series 2-1, with Game 4 scheduled for Friday in Manchester. Norfolk ended the regular season with 28 consecutive wins, and the teams had split the first two game of the series. Last night, the Monarchs got a first-period goal from Robbie Czarnik, and Stefan Legein scored in the second period to pull Manchester within 3-2, but Norfolk scored two third-period goals. Former Kings forward Brandon Segal scored twice for Norfolk.

At the junior level, top Kings prospect Tyler Toffoli and the Ottawa 67s are on the verge of elimination. Niagara beat Ottawa last night to take a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven second-round series, with Game 5 to be played tomorrow. Toffoli scored a goal in Game 4 but Ottawa lost 5-2. In the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League semifinals, Kings goalie prospect Chris Gibson and Chicoutimi trail Saint John 2-1 in a best-of-seven series, with Game 4 to be played tonight.