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
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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...