Eastern Conference Power Rankings

Now that I finished off the games to gun for for the eastern conference, I figured I know enough to do some rankings.

Somebody has to be king of the Mountain
Creative Commons: Travis

1. Utica Comets
 - No doubt, cream of the crop right here.

2. Toronto Marlies
- I think Marlies will continue to nip at Utica's heels.

3. Hartford Wolf Pack
- Hartford is coming off of a strong year, they will continue to be hungry, even though it kills me to say that.

4. Binghamton Senators
-I know I just called them middle of the pack, but I have a hunch they rise a bit just to stay competitive.

5.Wilkes Barre-Scranton Penguins
-Perpetual Play-off contender. This year will be no different.

6. St. Johns IceCaps
-New look and a new team will be enough to energize this affiliate to great things.

7. Hershey Bears
- The bears are almost always in the mix. Just not the same way the Penguins have been lately though.

8. Springfield Falcons
-I think the new look might be enough to get them into the play-off mix this year. I may just be overly optimistic though.

9. Syracuse Crunch
- They were in the playoffs last year, I think they're in the hunt but with the new alignments and new look teams, might not have what it takes.

10. Providence Bruins
-Might be in the mix, but big brother might be pulling too many players this year to keep little brother functional.

11. Rochester Americans
- With the historical season, their division might be too tough so prepare for Rochester to bank on the history, and not the scoreboard.

12. Lehigh Valley Phantoms
-Not a good start being sub 500 last year, I expect Lehigh to not do too much more, but make some improvement.

13. Portland Pirates
-Portland is the definition of a yo-yo team. They are coming off of a good year, I am anticipating a bad year to follow up.

14. Albany Devils
They were above .500 the past two years, this year they dip back below it. They are in what might be the most competitive division. They will take a huge step back into their comfort zone this year.

15. Bridgeport Sound Tigers
-Ba ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha. Yeah.

Honestly, this is mostly arbitrary. It's pretty early, and perhaps too early to tell, but its just an initial assessment. I'm sure the rest will show great change over the course of the season.

Binghamton Senators: Games to Gun For

Games to gun for will go over specific games and opponents fans might want to see. Criteria are based upon AHL rivalries, fun teams to watch in the AHL and regional rivalries between the local NHL teams. Consider it a guide for casual fans to know how to get the biggest bang for their buck.

Creative Commons: Teka England

How many more of these do I have to do? Fifteen? Oh. Well, at least one Conference is out of the way. Seventeen days to do fifteen teams?

Binghamton missed the playoffs last year, and have been eliminated in the first round twice since they won the Calder Cup in 2011. It isn't for a lack of trying, they have had only one losing season since that championship. They have been habitually in the upper-middle of the pack and that will keep them in the mix. They will be on the edge of another playoff run, but the question is will they have the energy to get back into it?

Home Opener: Oct. 10
Opponent:Albany Devils
Analysis: Binghamton finished right at .500 last year, and Albany was above .500 but was still ranked in a division ranked fourth out of five. Albany had one good year and was coming down from the high, I think they go back to winning less than half their games. This should be a fun way to start the season with with what is potentially an easy win and something Binghamton fans should be to see.

Opponents:

1. Rochester Americans
Rochester is a pretty consistent team in regards to annual performance, and it aligns well with how the Binghamton Senators. Since Binghamton doesn't have any carry over this year in regards to divisional rivals, Rochester should be an interesting match-up. Plus, living in Albany, you have an interesting mix of NHL teams competing for attention, including Rochester's big brother, the Buffalo Sabres. They play ten times.

2. Syracuse Crunch
Syracuse is the team that Binghamton has registered the most fights against. They're a comparable team  If you love hockey fights, keep an eye out for the Crunch games. Five home matches, ten times total.

3. Utica Comets
I'm starting to buy into the Comets. They have done nothing but get better. Is there a good chance your team might lose? Yes, but a tough fought victory is a fruit that is all the more ripe and sweet. Four match-ups at home and eight total match-ups

4. St. Johns IceCaps
If there is a team that Binghamton will have to get through to secure a play-off spot, it will be the new look IceCaps, whom is also a big brother rival. I think the IceCaps will look to improve, and they are the comparable teams that will provide the best hockey. They play eight times, four at home.

5. Toronto Marlies
This is another play-off favorite. If Binghamton wants to make it to the play-offs they will have to go through the them or at least keep up with them, and that means getting a few wins against them. They have six chances to get wins against them, three at home.

SOS: Schedule - Fan Support

We as fans need to step up if we want the AHL to get better. Let me explain.

This needs to happen more often. And this was in Bridgeport!
Creative Commons: Andrew Gardecki

People need to buy into the AHL so they can get a better product. Think of it as pumping energy into a machine. The more you pump in, the more you get. The more sugar in your system, the bigger the sugar rush.

The Utica Comets in this instance are the ideal franchise. They have a legitimate fan base. The result is they have seemingly worked out a fairly well balanced schedule. They have a better travel budget, they can have better variety of opponents and can diversify their product while still building up rivalries without saturating an opponent. How are they able to do this? Fan support.

The fans bought in, showing it through 17 sell out home games. Utica is on rise and its because of what the fans can do to help galvanize the team, pump money back into the system and demand attention be paid to the way the team is managed and run. And because of that, the organization seems to be listening, and in a year where I am prepared to declare Utica a heavy favorite to win the East, it makes it more important.

And Utica's situation is a perfect example of things I've already been saying. They have rivalries. They have history, to a point. They are in a market that isn't saturated by an NHL team. The home town can call them their own. And it all works perfectly. Utica is so important to that community that it will help drive the success of the community and ultimately help make Vancouver a contender, if the Comets aren't made the more valuable piece of the franchise through whatever championships they win.

But, those factors also worked because of the X-Factor they couldn't control which is the fan support. Fans bought it. If you are an AHL fan, and want your team to succeed, you need to be a maniac about these things. You need to bring friends to games, you need to talk the team up, build up hatred for other teams. Get others to drink the Kool-Aid.

The AHL will be a better product if the fans show that they want one. Just take the leap of faith and let's hope that the AHL reads all the right cues.

St. John's Ice Caps: Games To Gun For

Games to gun for will go over specific games and opponents fans might want to see. Criteria are based upon AHL rivalries, fun teams to watch in the AHL and regional rivalries between the local NHL teams. Consider it a guide for casual fans to know how to get the biggest bang for their buck.

Old IceCaps Vs, New IceCaps: A little on the nose, huh?
Creative commons: Zach Bonnell

St. John's has a new affiliate, and its a doozy. Admittedly, when I look at the Ice Caps I don't immediately think of the Canadiens the way I would for other teams. I'm hoping that this means I can be objective about the IceCaps without my immense hatred of the Canadiens stand in my way. Life as a Bruins fan who is blogging about the AHL for no real reason can be difficult like that. That said, last year, the Bulldogs didn't make the play-offs either. Probably because they were too busy hanging out with all of their celebrity friends. Then again, neither did the Ice Caps and they don't really have an excuse.  However, with a new look comes optimism and St. Johns certainly could be hungry to improve, especially as the new look team tries to forge its own new path. Of course, I'm not sure if they even have internet out in St. Johns, so if you're a St. Johns fan, are you even reading this?

Home Opener: October 17
Opponent: Rochester Americans
Analysis: It's a delayed start to the home season, but that is going to be the IceCaps season in a nutshell. Long road trips, long home stands, so its like two weeks on two weeks off. Its the only way they can do it really, so if you're a fan be prepared to binge and purge the hell out of this team because you have no other options.

Opponents:

1. Toronto Marlies
For reasons explained earlier on this blog, The Toronto Marlies are probably the best rival for the new look IceCaps. They are also an original six affiliate team that is a massive rival to big brother. While St, Johns is a lot further away than the two big brothers, (a two hour flight) there aren't many teams near St. Johns so beggars can't be choosers. 

2. Portland Pirates
Geographically speaking, this is the closest opponent St. Johns has. While there are lots of reasons for a rivalry, proximity is usually a good starting point. They only play four times, and aren't a divisional opponent, but really, they are the closest thing they have to competition. Ok, maybe I'm just talking this up too much now, but historically speaking, they were a divisional opponent last year, and all that bad blood just doesn't go away because of new alignment, affiliations and teams.

3. Utica Comets
They play last years Calder Cup finalists eight times. If the New Look IceCaps want to make their mark in this division, Utica is a good place to start. And as fans, you want to see your team take on the best and pull it off. That is how teams get swagger. So these are great bonding experiences for fans and great games to watch if you feel your team has momentum.

4. Binghamton Senators

Another classic NHL rivalry, and being in the same division means another good AHL rivalry. They play eight times. Let your love of big brother help feed your love of the little brother in these games, and expect that the AHL divisions will help make these games important.

5. Rochester Americans

I could talk some more about NHL rivalries, the 60th season, and so forth but let me simplify it. Americans vs Canadiens. Amerks and Habs. Now that is a hell of a nationalistic match up. Eight games. Four at home.

Toronto Marlies: Games to Gun for

Games to gun for will go over specific games and opponents fans might want to see. Criteria are based upon AHL rivalries, fun teams to watch in the AHL and regional rivalries between the local NHL teams. Consider it a guide for casual fans to know how to get the biggest bang for their buck.

Creative Commons: James DiBianco

Toronto Marlies are a rare situation in that big bro operates in the same town. This helps feed some local rivalries, and such, helps make all the players more recognizable in the community, but as I said before, I wish they spread that love a little more. But then again, Toronto is pretty hockey hungry, so it isn't like it's a weak market. Plus little brother did what big brother didn't do last year in that they saw the playoffs. Knocked out in the first round, yes, but they at least made it. 

Full disclosure, the Marlies are the only team to follow me back on Twitter. Does that mean they get more favorable coverage? Yes. Because I'm petty like that. If that bugs you, grow a pair or get your team to follow me. I also accept bribes
.
Home Opener: 10/9Opponent: Manitoba Moose

Analysis: Toronto starts off with back to back against Manitoba, so if you miss Friday, you can always catch an encore Saturday. It's a situation that pops up repeatedly throughout the schedule, opponents getting stacked so for a while you see one opponent and move on to the next. It's an interesting strategy. Rivalries aren't as passionate in the AHL, so thought process seems to be, save on travel, and let the regulars grow to hate them over short time. That said, Manitoba is non-division so opening weekend is inconsequential to a point, a good chance to focus on the home team and see their skills in a game that matters less.

1. Utica Comets

This rivalry is all about last year and the road to the Calder Cup. The Comets are a tough team with a rabid fan base that stand directly in the path of the Marlies. Last year the two teams ended up with even records against each other and both made the playoffs. If the Marlies want to get a cup, they have to halt the meteoric rise of the Comets. It works out well that these two will face off eight times since the time they spend on the ice together will go a long way in determining this divisions standings.

2. St. John's Icecaps

The new look Icecaps seek to be a serious new rival to the Marlies, which is perfect because that new look is from one of big brothers biggest rivals: the Canadiens. This is where the geographic conditions can help a rivalry because ice caps have a chance to distill that hatred and pour it on top of the AHL rivalry. I anticipate lot of bad blood during these match ups. These two teams face off twelve times, six of which will be at home so there will be plenty of time for tensions to rise between these two.

3. Binghamton Senators

Another AHL rivalry made better by the bitterness of the NHL rivalry. It certainly helps Binghamton isn't a slouch, having made the playoffs three of the past five years. Sure, last year they weren't as hot, but they have always seemed to bounce back... They will play three times at home, six times total.

4. Rochester Americans

It's a historic season for the Americans, so expect a lot of fight from them. And then some fight from the Marlies. Then some fight among the rival big brothers of the two. They also face off a total of eight times, four at home.

5. Albany Devils

The Albany Devils are not what I call the best of the best, but they are a decent NHL rivalry in Toronto. Some of that carries down, and like Bridgeport, Albany is the team most likely to let itself get beat up in this division, so its a good shot at a win. They play six times, three at home

Utica Comets: Games to Gun For

Games to gun for will go over specific games and opponents fans might want to see. Criteria are based upon AHL rivalries, fun teams to watch in the AHL and regional rivalries between the local NHL teams. Consider it a guide for casual fans to know how to get the biggest bang for their buck.

Creative Commons: Doug Kerr

The Utica Comets are another one of those historical teams I would designate part of the AHL "original six." They started off in Quebec as the Beavers in the 30s but spent most of their years in Springfield MA, helping make the region home to the AHL, building its rivalry with Providence and subsequently Hartford, while winning seven Calder Cups. Of course, that was in Springfield, and the Comets have only been in Utica the past two years, where they haven't won anything. Last year Utica got close but stumbled against Manchester and lost in the finals in five games. However, with a new conference, and a pretty passionate fan base, Utica should be a fun team to watch this year.

Home Opener: October 27

Opponent: Rochester Americans

Analysis: Opening against a historical and divisional opponent like the Americans is a great way to open at home, even if it is a delayed home opener. But if you don't already have your tickets, don't bother. First two games at home are already sold out. It's a passionate fan base up there I guess and they are eager for a Calder Cup. It kinda makes me nervous about trying to figure out who the biggest rivals to this team are, but I think I can make some pretty good guesses...

Opponents

1. Binghamton Senators

Last year Binghamton ended the year against Utica 3-3 with all the losses coming in overtime. That says to me that they're pretty evenly matched and should lead to some good games this year. It also should help that Binghamton leads the top of Utica's fight charts. While Utica is far from Syracuse in regards to fight totals, its a good sign that these games will have a little extra heat. They play each other eight times total.

2. Toronto Marlies

Are they a New York team? No, but like Binghamton Toronto is pretty evenly matched. They also went .500 for wins/losses last year and made the play-offs. They will be the team the Comets might most have to contend with for a play-off spot so in terms of AHL parity, these match ups will be pretty even and fun to watch. They also play each other eight times total, four times at home.

3. Rochester Americans

Another historical team, and the Rochester Americans will be hungry for ways to make their 60th year special. I think Rochester is also very aware that the road to the Cup will probably go through Utica and so expect these games to have a lot of heat and passion The fact that the first of the eight times they played are sold out is a good sign that there will be a lot of energy during these match ups.

4. Albany Devils

Albany is kinda like that bad team that knocks mediocre teams out of the play-offs late in a season. In the past they kinda have ruined a lot of things. They beat Utica in their first ever home opener, when Gordie Howe dropped the puck and the won every game against Utica last year. Hell, Utica has never beaten the Albany Devils, and that is saying something. It's like how the Canadiens could be absolute garbage and still win against a top seeded Bruins team. They're just in the heads of the team. Luckily this year Utica gets more chances than ever to beat the Devils with eight match ups, four at home.

5. (Tie) Springfield Falcons/Hartford Wolf Pack

This one is all about history. They face off against the teams they once called a rival and a team from where they once called home. Granted is there any real history or rivalry? No, but if you're a hockey history buff, these games should be fun. You can pretend its the 1930s and drive up in a Ford Model T before seeing formerly Springfield take on Formerly Providence. They face off against both Springfield and Hartford four times each, for a grand total of eight times. (Utica might have the most balanced schedule in all of the AHL.)

@TheFalconsAHL @WolfPackAHL @DMeczywor But wait... Is that...THAT'S THE @UTICACOMETS' MUSIC! pic.twitter.com/TWY5oG4f6K

— Seth D (@The_Hockey_Prof) September 15, 2015

Utica Fans doing their thing, inserting themselves into every conversation... #CometsArmy

Syracuse Crunch and Donald Trump

What the hell did I just watch...

Some sites are calling this a challenge or fighting words, in which case the Crunch are looking to get an early start on their season. Frankly, I would rather call it what this is: Lame. It's amateur showboating to challenge the guy who's such a master showboater the only way he could up his game was to run for president. This whole thing reeks of Jackie Moon wrestling a bear. The worst part is it could have been so much better.

The AHL is spending so much time retreading old Will Farrell bits, and making jokes that are landing way too early and way too late. Come on AHL, you can do better. I know the worst  advice I can give is to say "Be funny" but dammit, be funny AHL. The challenge wasn't nearly bold enough, not outrageous enough.

Take a lesson from 50 Cent on how to do it right, or better yet, take a lesson from me...

Unrelated: Self-Conscious Computers

Yeah, this kind of blog series...
Creative Commons Bill Alldredge

Unrelated is series of posts I run on the weekends that are unrelated to the AHL, the NHL or hockey. Consider it the weekend work I put in to help entertain. It could be humorous, personal, opinionated, political, related to other sports or anything. More or less these are my "Andy Rooney" moments.

This week, at the zero hour of a long weekend, here's an opinion you've never heard before: ratings on the internet are hollow and meaningless.

There are two types of ratings on the internet. 5 stars and 1/no stars. Everything else in between doesn't exist. You have to either love a movie on Netflix or scorn it so it burns into the ground. The real rating sometimes comes somewhere in the between because the more people that five star it will become averaged with the no stars and so forth.

All the ratings options that exist on the 5 pt scale

But why does it have to be so binary? Are we so in love with the 1/5 scale that we can't think things are average? It takes the concept of quality, the real question and makes what we see as either great! or terrible. While all feedback in general comes in two flavors, good or bad, there are degrees that such extremes can't validate.

I've always been of the opinion of scaled ranking. Was it average? 3 stars. was it good? Maybe a 4. I try to reserve only the life changing good or bad for the 5s or the 1s. If you can find a flaw, don't give it a five. If you still enjoy the app in the littlest bit, give it more than a 1 when a bug crashes it.

This is at the point where the ratings are devalued as computer programs and companies are looking for more numbers, more fives when they should be looking for more feedback. They get self conscious about 4s when all it means was good but not the revolution. I've been asked why I thought the service wasn't good enough over a 4. Called at home and at work over those rankings for local services.

 You can't hop into an app without a daily ask for a rating. It devalues the system because its enforced feedback is set to the extremes and the livelihood is based upon perfect scores when there should be room for good, bad, great, terrible and mediocre.  I'm ok with not being impressed all the time, and honestly, those fives probably aren't all impressed either. I'm not impressed nearly as much by them as you think I should be.

Albany Devils: Games to Gun for

Games to gun for will go over specific games and opponents fans might want to see. Criteria are based upon AHL rivalries, fun teams to watch in the AHL and regional rivalries between the local NHL teams. Consider it a guide for casual fans to know how to get the biggest bang for their buck.

Creative Commons: James DiBianco

Since moving from Lowell, the Albany Devils have only made the play-offs once. And they got knocked out in the first round. So if you're in Albany, the Devils might not be the biggest rally-horn for you. You might be more interested in the other teams around you. Seriously, Bridgeport has more playoff appearances since the move. If Bridgeport is the Cleaveland Browns of the AHL, Albany would be the Jaguars. Which means they should try to be hungry to compete, though in the words of Homer Simpson, "Trying is the first step towards failure."

Home Opener: 10/24
Opponent: Portland Pirates
Albany might have the roughest of the rough in terms of schedules this year. Not necessarily because of opponents, though there should be plenty of good competition, but because their home opener is a non-divisional opponent two weeks into the season. It's as though they decided, "Well, we don't play at home the ninth or tenth, let's just not play at home. This may help them later down the stretch but it doesn't feel like a home opener, and shouldn't be treated as such.

Opponents:
As I said in my Bridgeport Sound Tigers Games to Gun For Everyone. Everyone is a rival because you need to take that first step and over take one person to have a rivalry. Albany won't be showing up on anybody else's list in this division (outside of recommendations to see an easy win) mostly because they haven't been competitive, so they have to prove me wrong and make it worth it.

1. Bridgeport Sound Tigers
Am I reading the schedule right? Do the Albany Devils face the Sound Tigers, a non-divisional opponent eight times? Eight? The reason you want to see these games, its a comedy of errors. Two teams perennially ranked last in their divisions facing off. If there ever was a race for last place in the league, these two are top competitors. It's the toilet bowl, eight times. It almost makes me want to re-rank the Sound Tigers Opponents.

2. Syracuse Crunch
This team is the only divisional hold over from last year for the Albany Devils. Plus its a play off team, so its always good to unseat a team you know to be competitive. As a bonus, both the Sound Tigers and the Crunch led the league in fights last year. There is a good chance you will see one by targeting any of these match ups. They see each other eight times.

3. Utica Comets
They face off eight times, and of all the divisional rivals, they are the most highly skilled, placing second in the league in points last year. If there is anyone you want to take out, its the guy at the top and a Pyrrhic victory is still a form of victory.

4. St. Johns Ice Caps
I may be ragging on the Devils for being perrenial losers, but in the conference standings they had ten game points over the Ice caps. Granted that was the old Ice Caps, but if nothing ever really changes, then these eight games might be the best chance to see a win. Some how I doubt it, the new Ice Caps affiliate tends to be pretty good.

5. Binghamton Senators
They face off an odd nine(?) times and haven't changed dramatically since last year. When I talk about how comparable hockey means entertaining and watchable hockey, this is what I mean. These two teams are probably the best match up as far as comparability goes and your best chance at seeing a nice pair of evenly matched teams go at it.

AHL Twitter Wars: Celebrities, Smackdown and NHL 16 ratings

Figured I would check in with AHL Twitter to see how things were going. Any new chirps, or beefs? Anything of interest? Ok, so the Hamilton Bulldogs keep talking up something. They've been scorned by the AHL and re-aligned with the OHL, lets see how they're handling the transistion...

Are you excited for the Bulldogs' Home Opener? These fans are! Get Your Tickets: http://t.co/SvSVMxD4US #NewBreed pic.twitter.com/sn0UAl8arE

— Hamilton Bulldogs (@BulldogsOHL) September 15, 2015

Yup, that is a burn and  half. That's the equivalent of breaking up with someone and then the next day they have new arm candy that happens to be a model / astrophysicist. "Fine, you don't want us in the AHL? Whatever, we still got Tom Hanks and Martin short doing promotional bits for us."

Wait... You mean the Bulldogs are really St. Johns now, and the Ontario Team is just some old OHL team renamed? Why is this all so complicated!?!

Anyway, obligatory Hartford Wolf Pack / Springfield Falcons.

.@TheFalconsAHL @DMeczywor Don't feel bad, the @TheFalconsAHL "let us" beat them all the time.

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@WolfPackAHL) September 15, 2015

Admittedly, I had a hand in this one, but they took the ball and ran with it. But Springfield, what are you doing? You have a video saying vs Hartford games don't sell as well as vs Providence! That's when you chirp back with  something like "It's cute how Hartford thinks its a rival when they don't sell as well. #irrelevant" or something like that. Instead your response is...

@WolfPackAHL @DMeczywor we'll let the Undertaker pick up on this one... #creepylaugh pic.twitter.com/rSr0coFRZP

— Springfield Falcons (@TheFalconsAHL) September 15, 2015

But that's fine, it works. It basically says "We'll do our talking on the ice. We're coming for you."  Which is good. Certainly better than how the Checkers and Ice Caps "Smack talk"

.@IceCapsAHL This is nothing sending us a big case of maple syrup wouldn't smooth over...

— Charlotte Checkers (@CheckersHockey) September 17, 2015

What I left out was all the talk about who had better fried chicken. No. Seriously.

Clean it up guys.

I know I talk about how much the Crunch fight, but it seems like most of the Phantoms countdown images involve fights...

We're getting there Phantoms fans...#RiseUp #IsItOctoberYet pic.twitter.com/uV0DfYrYQw

— LehighValleyPhantoms (@LVPhantoms) September 11, 2015

We're getting even closer Phantoms fans. Just 4 weeks to go... #RiseUp #IsItOctoberYet pic.twitter.com/OUikeb071W

— LehighValleyPhantoms (@LVPhantoms) September 12, 2015

Oh, and #isitoctoberyet memes and gifs keep flying in.

This is how we felt when we realized there was exactly one month until the home opener! pic.twitter.com/Aida6hZeEZ

— Milwaukee Admirals (@mkeadmirals) September 16, 2015

And with the release of NHL 16, there were a lot of tweets going out about that. The best is the following exchange:

.@Condors @EASPORTSNHL We don't see a problem there.

— GrandRapids Griffins (@griffinshockey) September 15, 2015

I'm sure there were more highlights I'm missing but they got drowned out in a lot of rookie tournament action going

Rochester Americans: Games to Gun for

Games to gun for will go over specific games and opponents fans might want to see. Criteria are based upon AHL rivalries, fun teams to watch in the AHL and regional rivalries between the local NHL teams. Consider it a guide for casual fans to know how to get the biggest bang for their buck.

Non-commercial / Fair use,
  Amerks Hockey twitter

As I have mentioned before, the Rochester Americans are a historical AHL team. This year they are celebrating their 60th anniversary as a franchise. They have six Calder Cups, one for every decade the franchise has been around, however its been exactly a decade since they've seen more than one opponent in the post season. This is certainly a trend the Sabres Affiliate would hope to amend. Making the playoffs is nice and all, but its also nice to make it past your first round. Fun fact, Rochester, Utica, Hershey, Milwaukee, Iowa, Binghamton, Portland, Manitoba and San Antonio are all older than their NHL counterparts. Hartford Wolf Pack was founded the same year as the Rangers, along with a few other expansion teams that formed the same year as their affiliate. That means greater than 1/3 of the AHL is as old, if not older than their NHL team. For a league as volatile as the AHL, that says a lot about both the NHL and the AHL...

Home opener: October 9

Opponent: Lake Erie Monsters

Analysis: The Amerks open up their historic season at home against a non-divisional opponent. This is what eats me up on the inside. I think the opening game of the season, one where the team will be celebrating opening its 60th year would be so important and should be a game you go to. However...

Opponents.

1. Utica Comets

This is by far the superior match up. Utica is one of the teams I consider to be an original six team, and the salt in the wound is that they play the next night. It's such a huge oversight and a flaw in the schedule that it actually upsets me. I'm sad that the Americans don't get to open against the best opponent, a historical AHL match up, for their historical season. I'm very tempted to say, no, that game against the Monsters is just an exhibition match and this is the true home opener. Blow off game one, and make Game 2 the true start to your season. Then watch as the comets face off eleven more times (five at home for the Americans). Help make the season special by watching two teams who have been around for a long time face off.

2.  St. Johns Ice Caps

Follow up that history with more History. St. Johns has been around for a while too you know. And to make that sweeter, they are the Canadiens affiliate. Even more history, and an NHL rival of the Sabres. History, passion, and competition are the three magic words that make hockey be beautiful. See them at home up to four times, or travel to see them all eight.

3. Syracuse Crunch

Another one of my AHL original six opponents makes the list! They meet ten times, five of those will be at home. As I talked about on the Crunch games to gun for blog, expect fights.

4. 5. 6. Hershey Bears, Hartford Wolf Pack, Springfield Falcons

I'm going off the beaten path a bit here, and for the rest of the blog. Normally I would say, make it about the division rivalries, but I think in a historic season, getting to see historic opponents outweigh that true blue rivalry. Sure, you can have a good time watching them go up against Albany, ect, but as I mentioned before and could rehash my original six blog, make these games a priority. They face the Bears once at home, Hartford twice at home, Falcons once at home.

S.O.S. AHL Schedule: Marketing

With cable tv, the internet, social media, you would think it would be easy to boost interest and awareness of a product, but part of me doubts that. I think the AHL has a difficult task ahead of itself. The games aren't nationally televised, there is a lot on the internet about the NHL to sufficiently drown out whatever goes on about the AHL, and the same goes for social media. So, how can the AHL garner more attention, increase revenue to better its product? I have a few theories on that:

• NFL strategy: This is the weakest, and most likely to fail, but the NFLs strategy lately. Generate a scandal to draw attention to the league when you aren't watching. Given the off the ice incidents with Patrick Kane and how the media typically receives hockey anyway, I doubt this will work.
  
  
• Get games on tv: Few ways of doing this. Most involve flexing some games to earlier time spots. They all involve giving viewing time of teams away for free because that is exposure, and that is what the AHL wants.

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  Wikimedia Commons

   Local stations, cut a deal, as long as they don't interrupt prime time they would be happy to oblige. Better than the mid-day Saturday reruns they typically have. Plus on local television, it could help amp up interest in the community aspect, which is where love for an AHL team comes from.
  
  
• National TV: Cut a deal with big brother. Broadcast an AHL game of the week on NHL Network, cut it up with the fancy cameras and your prospects get national coverage. It draws attention to the NHL, attention to the prospects and with the big lights and cameras, it helps prospects get used to those big lights.
  
  
• Internet Streaming: I know the AHL does this already with audio and video casts, but you have to pay the premium. I'm saying, don't make it pay per view, but partner with YouTube, Twitch or some other high end streaming service that will do a good job of plugging your games and then you don't ever have to worry about flexing games to earlier times. You get an AHL game of the week that everyone can see, you can hit all 30 teams so everyone can feel that sense of local pride, treat it like an NHL broadcast and give a game or two a week to the people. 
  
  
• Rivalries: Develop them. Hammer home on them. Say how much this team hates that team even if it isn't true and have social media chirping at each other. People buy into dichotomies, Good, bad, winners, losers, heroes, villains.  That is what sells. If you're the Springfield Falcons, I see the fact that the Providence Bruins games are what's selling as a bad sign because it means that they aren't coming to see the Falcons. Build up Hartford with your news paper ads, local station ads, and so forth. Every team, pick two to three and drive up the hate. Social media is perfect for this and its something that occasionally happens, but should happen more often.
  
  

  
• Local Coverage: Work with your local news papers to become a larger part of the news. Develop in the local section, the sports section, opinion and maybe even the front page. Local news websites should be working with you to talk about your brand, secretly promoting it with actual news stories. Be part of the community in highly visible ways and you'll drive interest in hockey. If they present it all in simple ways that make the game easy to understand, you can draw in a more casual audience and convert them along the way as well.
  
  
• Differentiate yourself from the NHL: Sell yourself as a separate product. If NHL is name brand, and you're generic, you can't compete for attention. You have to build yourself as something different, something more relaxed and fun, and take the NHL out of it otherwise the fan bases overlap and local teams in towns under a different the umbrella of an NHL team of a different affiliation will suffer. You're NOT the NHL and that could even be your slogan. You provide hard-hitting, raucous, family friendly, but not too-family-friendly hockey like your grandad always talked about. It's a fan experience unlike what you get in the NHL, its more base, more raw, more intense for less money. The NHL is still the elite experience, but the AHL can be the every day working man experience communities should love.

Syracuse Crunch: Games to Gun For

Syracuse Crunch's Favorite Activity
Creative Commons: CMBfoto

Games to gun for will go over specific games and opponents fans might want to see. Criteria are based upon AHL rivalries, fun teams to watch in the AHL and regional rivalries between the local NHL teams. Consider it a guide for casual fans to know how to get the biggest bang for their buck.

The Crunch have a bit of a reputation as being big fighters. Or at least the numbers paint that. This is in large contrast to their affiliate, the Tampa Bay lightning which is perhaps better known as a high skill, finesse team. Perhaps its just a matter of location, Tampa Bay is far removed from upstate New York, where the fans tend to me more... well... passionate. (The nice way of saying drunk.) Unlike other AHL teams where Big Brother can help play a role in the rivalries, the Crunch are all alone where they are, meaning their rivalries are pure AHL.

Home opener: October 17

Opponent: Binghamton Senators

The Crunch start the season on the road against the Phantoms, but come home not to shortly after. Luckily its only one week, and one game so they should be plenty rested for a match against a divisional rival. Stay thirsty Syracuse, bring the heat and be ready to fight.

Opponents:

1. Rochester Americans

There are a few reasons why this team is the top of the list. The first is they are a divisional rival. Rochester is also a historical AHL team. Finally, Buffalo Sabres are their affiliate. Oh, and the bonus, the team the Crunch have the most fights against? Americans. The ten times they face off against eachother, including the five times at home should have something for everyone, from the NHL fans, to the local AHL fans, casual or hardcore. 

2. St. Johns Ice Caps

This a divisional rival and a Buffalo Sabres rival (And Tamba Bay Psuedo-rival) through the Montreal Canadiens. Granted the fight numbers are a little lower, I'm sure that just means the Crunch will need to catch up as they aim for number one fight total. They face of four times at home, eight times total.

3. Binghamton Senators

Really, most of the teams from upstate New York are going to be great rivals, the Senators meet ten times, five at each arena, Oh, and number 2 in the total fight count.

4. Toronto Marlies

Toronto is a good rival to both the Sabres and the Crunch. Its a nice middle of the pack rivalry, not too many fights but enough. Think of the Marlies as the team you see when maybe you want to see a decent hockey game without a fight, well, then the four home games against the Marlies might be a good chance.

5. Bridgeport Sound Tigers

I bet you were thinking I was going to go with the sensible choice, the safe choice if you will, and say the Albany Devils? You were wrong. Instead I went with the out of division team that they only play once at home. Why? One reason: Fights. In 2014 The Bridgeport Sound Tigers lead the league in fights, Syracuse was second. Bridgeport and Syracuse have frequently been at or near the top. So for two games this year, you have the biggest fighters in the league all together. 

S.O.S. AHL Schedule: Support

I have four think pieces lined up for basically the things that need to happen for the AHL to save its scheduling issues and help. The first I'm going to tackle is the Support the NHL offers the AHL teams. Admittedly, I am not an insider, I am working on a lot of assumptions here so I will gladly be wrong about these opinions, but its just thoughts I'm throwing out in the little free time I have.

The biggest of my assumptions is how controlled the AHL teams are by big brother. I feel like there are aspects of control, but its clear, to a point, they are left to their own. They deal with their schedule, have to figure out how to make the money, and have to work within the restrictions of the NHL to do so. So that's fine.

Where I am more hazy is the financial support the NHL provides, particularly in regards to supplemental  budget. Do the AHL teams have their own budget? Certain players are signed to 1-way contracts that only leave them attached to an AHL team, I think? The relationship as a whole is an easy one to understand, but as a business strategy, the video I talked about in this blog makes it seem more complicated than, maybe a pool of funds.

So, there are two scenarios to consider. The first is that its all one pool, in which case, the NHL affiliate can offer more to help alleviate costs related to travel. This is ideal in the sense that then, the restrictions that the affiliate team can better mimic the professional hockey season, and also send teams further with the expectation that greater competition at one level will increase revenue at that level, and then increase revenue at the other levels.

However, the AHL is considered a separate entity. They have their own league offices and restrictions. That makes me think, part of the AHL teams success might be driven by the teams themselves. If that's the case then the AHL would be all by itself and that might make it more difficult.

I don't get that is entirely the sense, but if it were, than the NHL should be providing a level of financial assistance that would help offset travel costs. Whatever the case can be, it could be more. While the AHL may not be as bankable (and certainly could sell itself better), further financial assistance, and saturation of hockey beyond the national TV level, could go a long, long way in Hockey's success for the future, not just because of the monetary value.

The final point that I think needs to be made, and I've already have half-way made it is that the NHL should be taking a greater hand helping to plan and and organize this schedule. It should be balanced, it should be driving competition, and should be driving rivalries. That is something the NHL in particular has excelled at. I laugh when I look at rivalries in other sports. I may hate another team, but those teams are limited to those I hate in the NHL as a Bruins fan, and also to the extent of how much I hate them. Granted, that has a lot to do with how the teams play each other, but the fervor can only carry so far, and balancing that can help sustain a rivalry.

To a certain extent, the AHL should be free to dictate how it runs its business, but at a certain point the NHL should want to help guide the AHL through financial support and direction to help make its products better.

Lehigh Valley Phantoms: Games to Gun For

Games to gun for will go over specific games and opponents fans might want to see. Criteria are based upon AHL rivalries, fun teams to watch in the AHL and regional rivalries between the local NHL teams. Consider it a guide for casual fans to know how to get the biggest bang for their buck.

PA Announcer @joewowk is ready for Phantoms hockey. Are you? https://t.co/2kPcHKoMJw #RiseUp 10.10.15 pic.twitter.com/aAMIejTDZb

— LehighValleyPhantoms (@LVPhantoms) September 11, 2015

Normally I find a real picture, but the tweet really says it best this time

The Lehigh Valley Phantoms are the last team in the North Division I have to cover here for Games to Gun for. Let's face it, its Flyers all around in that area. Your rivals are Flyers rivals. Your fan base, all Flyers, and luckily, the affiliate team is also the Flyers. Now, typically I'm not as big of a fan of such market saturation, but the team is far enough away to make it work, if you can get fans to buy in to either one or the other. Last year, the Phantoms failed to make the playoffs, settling for the low end of the spectrum at 13 in the conference, and only topping the Norfolk Admirals  in their (then) division. This year their slogan is Rise up (#RiseUP) which is a good goal because placing worse in their division would mean that the Bridgeport Sound Tigers did something better than you.

Home Opener: October 10
Opponent: Syracuse Crunch
Analysis: Hmmm how sweet this match up is. The Flyers have a reputation of being thuggish in the league, and the Crunch have been in the top five for most fights in the past three years. If you like hard hitting hockey, then I can't think of how perfect this match up should be. If there ever was a chance you might see an all out brawl on opening weekend, this game might be it. 

Opponents:
1. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
Local rivals, national rivals, twelve match ups, six at home. This is a great rivalry on all levels. The match ups at the national level, the match ups at the AHL level, they are never not rivals. As a Phantoms fan, you hate the Penguins. Penguins hate you. Hate equates to strong emotional play and strong emotional play is what makes for a great game.

2. Hershey Bears
Capitals are also a good Flyers rival, but not as big as the Penguins, and so forth. But Hershey is also a huge rivalry at the AHL level. They face each other twelve times as well, six times at home. A good chance to face off against the NHL rival, a local rival and good historic team while you're at it.

3. Hartford Wolf Pack
At the risk of repeating myself: Rangers, division, rivalry. That said, it wasn't until recently that the Wolf Pack became a division rival. Sure, the hate might be there, but it isn't there as it is with the previous two teams mentioned. They face six times, three at home.

4, Providence Bruins
There are no shortage of NHL/AHL rivalries in the division. Bruins are another one that has faded a bit in recent years on the Flyers side of things, due to how the competition has developed and competetor has developed, but there should be plenty of residual hate. Plus with the new divisions, it means that the Bruins are another opponent the Phantoms have to try to stand over. They play six times.

5. Bridgeport Sound Tigers
Normally I look for an out of division opponent to use at some point, but this one is easy. And it boils down to something said before: Bridgeport Sound Tigers are the worst team in the division. Phantoms were on the verge of being the worst team last year. That means that the Sound Tigers are going to look to over take the Phantoms to not be the worst, and Phantoms have to be afraid of that. Nobody wants to be the team that is the joke. Phantoms have to beat down the Sound Tigers first and foremost to prevent that from happening if they don't do so hot this year.

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins: Games to gun for.

Games to gun for will go over specific games and opponents fans might want to see. Criteria are based upon AHL rivalries, fun teams to watch in the AHL and regional rivalries between the local NHL teams. Consider it a guide for casual fans to know how to get the biggest bang for their buck.

Creative Commons: Danielle

The Baby Pens are in a pretty highly contested area for AHL and NHL fans. They are towards the middle of PA where I'm sure the Flyers and the Penguins fans mix, and I'm not entirely familiar with the area, and this admittedly won't be my best work. (NFL season started last nigh and I'm from New England, so it was a state holiday.) But, with the amount of AHL teams in the area, you have plenty of local teams and national teams to drive the love (Or the hate) and the Let's just get into it. 

Home Opener: October 17
Opponent: Lehigh Valley Phantoms
Even though its a delayed home opening, this is the best game they could open with. Why?

Opponents:
1. Lehigh Valley Phantoms
It's a perfect storm of NHL and AHL rivals in close proximity to each other. These teams need to hate each other, and the fan bases are probably large enough for each of them that they should be going all out and supporting them and filling in the seats every time they meet. All twelve of these matchups should produce nothing but intense, emotional, entertaining hockey. Book your tickets for the home opener and revel in it.

2. Hershey Bears
The Bears aren't too far either, and as the Capitals affiliate they do pose some NHL edge too. But this is one of those things where proximity should drive rivalry and if you're close to the Baby-Pens, you are probably close enough to know Hershey and feel a geographical rivalry. They play twelve times, six times at home.

3. Providence Bruins
Divisional, and NHL rival. I don't need to tell Penguins fans that they hate the Bruins, and the Bruins hate them. No reason that the six match-ups can't be a nice outlet for that hate.

4. Hartford Wolfpack
Penguins also don't like the Rangers. Do they not like them as much as the Bruins? It's probably pretty close. Plus divisional rival. 

5. Binghamtom Senators
It's nice to see some opponents outside of the division. The Senators play the Penguins six times, including three home games. I haven't done too much looking outside of the Atlantic division, but if you are looking for something more casual where the level of the play will still be heightened by the fact that they will be familiar with each others style. It should lead to better hockey, but not as intense.

Schedule Dissection Part 2: The Traveling.

As I am trying to dig deeper into the AHL, I'm finally getting into the media aspect, This is more along the lines of the things I would like to get into, especially once the heavy lifting get out of the way, but more or less, about a week ago, Falcons TV posted this video:






This relates back to my schedule blog way back when, The video is pretty dry, and goes over a lot of the technicalities of how the schedule comes together. It sounds like a logistical nightmare. I mean, did you see this board?

Look at that thing. Its all yellow squares and black stars and orange circles, maroon hexagons, green hexagons, blue trapezoids scattershot over magnets and squares. John Nash himself would walk up to that thing and go, "Oh, screw this." I mean, don't they have an app for this yet?

But aside from that, there are a few key issues I think its worth touching upon really quick.

1. Scheduling is important for competition and marketing of the team. I think there are ways the AHL could market itself better, and hey, different blog for a different day, but this goes right back to what I said before: The schedule needs more balance. The limitations for travel expenses put a huge hit on this but if the schedule is more balanced, it gives those divisional rivals more meaning and make the games more important. Yes, more people will want to see the Providence Bruins if they live in Springfield because they are probably Boston Bruins fans, and so forth, but too many games against one opponent and there's less urgency to go to it. For thirteen bucks, you can catch them the next time they're in town.

2. Dove tailing off of that, AHL might be spreading itself too thin. With less teams local, that means travel expenses go up, and that makes it hard to fit in the rest time, get greater opponent diversity, and build that culture of rivalries that get people to the games.

3. The NHL puts on tough restrictions. Here is what I don't get about that, they have to regulate the rest and the games per week, which is good for a player but what about player development? Wouldn't a schedule more similar to the NHL, though perhaps less intense, be infinitely more beneficial  in the long run?

4. The AHL probably needs a little more oversight. I may be reading into this too much, but the impression I got was the teams draft their opponents and then the pieces get tied together. What could probably help with this is some better regulation. I get budget constraints but if the product is suffering because of the schedule, those budget constraints will only get tighter.

But, this is all leading to the four things that need to go better to fix the scheduling problem:

1. NHL needs to better support their affiliate.
2. AHL needs to do a better job at selling itself.
3. AHL fans, NHL fans, hockey fans and general public need to do a better job of buying in.
4. AHL has to take some risks to get a better product so #3 is more sustainable and successful.

There will be more on those points soon. Trust me on that one.