The East Division was dominated by the Philadelphia Phantoms, but a late season collapse allowed the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins to capture another division title. Which team made the best upgrades in hopes of springtime success? Here’s a preview of the East Division.
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The 2008-09 AHL season is almost upon us and after a thrilling 2007-08 season, several teams have improved while others have not. The Chicago Wolves won the Calder Cup and will look to repeat, but is there another team to keep an eye on? Here’s a preview of the Atlantic Division.
With time ticking away until the start of the season, signings in the AHL are becoming slim. A few head coaches were hired this past week and the AHL released its schedule. Here’s an update from around the AHL.
It was a slow news week in the American Hockey League. Only two major signings were announced, and Chicago and Rockford named new head coaches. Here’s an update from around the AHL.
The week started off slow in the AHL, but quickly picked up as the days went on. Talented forwards were traded, a former MVP was signed, and a coach is on the move. Here’s an update from around the AHL...
As the free agency period in professional hockey dwindles down, there’s a lot of talk about where Mats Sundin will go and if Joe Sakic, Peter Forsberg, and Teemu Selanne will return or retire. But there are several AHL free agents also still available...
On June 10, the Chicago Wolves were on top of the world in the American Hockey League. Things changed quickly for the Calder Cup champions a month later. The team has already gone through monumental changes that might cost them a chance to repeat in 2009.
It was another crazy week in the AHL with several signings. Jason Krog, the league’s leading scorer, signed an NHL contract this week. Several trades were made as well. Here’s an update from around the AHL.
Free agency continues in the AHL and several players are on the move once again. Zenon Konopka and Jesse Schultz were the biggest movers last week, as well as news on Hershey’s John Walton’s new job. Here’s an update from around the AHL.
Sami Lepisto’s rookie campaign went as well as possible. Lepisto was one of Hershey’s best defensemen and even enjoyed recalls to the Washington Capitals. Sami sat down with Inside Hockey for an up close interview.
With free agency in full swing in the AHL, several players have already signed on with new teams. The Bears and Sound Tigers made the biggest splash in week one. Here’s an update from around the AHL.
The West Division was the tightest in the AHL during the 2007-08 season. Calder Cup champion Chicago Wolves won the West Division, but all eight teams had a chance to make the playoffs heading into the final month of the season. Here's a recap of the West Division.
The North Division went from a one team show to a three team race down the stretch. The Marlies led the entire way before Syracuse made a charge. Rochester suffered through one of its worst seasons ever. Here's a recap of the North Division.
The week before free agency begins was a busy one for the American Hockey League. Several trades were made that involved AHL players, as well as rule changes for next season. Here’s an update from around the AHL.
The East Division was one of the strangest in the American Hockey League during the 2008-09 season. The Phantoms led the way for most of the season, but the Penguins were able to overtake them down the stretch. Here's a recap of the East Division.
John Anderson was hired Friday to be the head coach of the Atlanta Thrashers after leading the Chicago Wolves to the Calder Cup last week. Anderson has a great track record, and now he will finally get the chance to prove he belongs at the NHL level.
The American Hockey League season ended a week and a half ago, but the past week has been a busy one in the AHL. Coaching changes were made, as well as a new affiliation agreement. Here’s the news from around the AHL.
The Atlantic Division was one of the best in the American Hockey League in 2008-09. The Providence Bruins and Hartford Wolf Pack dominated, while the Lowell Devils once again finished last. Here's a recap of the Atlantic Division.
Four championships in ten seasons is quite an accomplishment, and when one coach accomplishes that feat with one team, he is truly something special. Clearly, Chicago Wolves coach John Anderson deserves a look in the NHL.
The Los Angeles Kings fired head coach Marc Crawford Tuesday; only two years into his tenure. Crawford posted a 59-84-21 record with the Kings and was never able to make the playoffs. The search for a new coach will begin immediately.
Ron Wilson was announced as the new head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday. Wilson signed a four-year contract to become the 36th head coach in Maple Leafs history. Wilson was fired by the San Jose Sharks last month.
With their Game 6 win over the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins Tuesday night, the Chicago Wolves won the Calder Cup for the second time in franchise history. It wasn’t easy for the Wolves, who were once up 3-0. Jason Krog led the attack in Game 6.
The Portland Pirates announced Tuesday that an agreement has been reached with the Buffalo Sabres to supply prospects to Portland beginning with the 2008-09 season.
The Chicago Wolves and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins squared off Saturday in Game 5 of the Calder Cup finals. The Penguins avoided elimination once again with a convincing 5-1 win over the Wolves. Here’s a recap of Game 5.
The Philadelphia Flyers and Edmonton Oilers completed a trade Friday that involved two minor league players. The Flyers acquired defenseman Danny Syvret from Edmonton in exchange for forward Ryan Potulny.
The Chicago Wolves and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins squared off Friday in Game 4 of the Calder Cup finals. The Penguins played their best game of the finals and it paid off with a 3-2 win to force Game 5. Here’s a recap of Game 4.
The Chicago Wolves and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins squared off Wednesday in Game 3 of the Calder Cup finals. The Penguins got on the board first, but Chicago’s offense was overpowering and they now have a 3-0 series lead. Here’s a recap.
The Chicago Wolves and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins squared off Sunday afternoon in Game 2 of the Calder Cup finals. The Penguins found themselves trailing early and battling back late. History was also made on Sunday. Here’s a recap.
The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins are looking to rebounded after the Game 1 loss in the Calder Cup finals. The Penguins found out what most of the Western Conference already knew – Chicago’s offense is hard to stop.
Frederic Cassivi, one of the AHL’s greatest goaltenders, is leaving the American Hockey League to play in Europe for the 2008-09 season. Cassivi spent the past three seasons with the Hershey Bears; he will now play for Nurnberg Ice Tigers in Germany.
The Chicago Wolves and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins squared off Thursday night in Game 1 of the Calder Cup finals. With the odd scheduling format (2-3-2), the Penguins were looking to steal home ice advantage from the Wolves. Here’s a recap of Game 1.
The Detroit Red Wings dominated Games 1 and 2 of the Stanley Cup finals and are just two wins away from capturing their 11th championship in team history. So far, the Red Wings have kept Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Marian Hossa in check.
Game 2 of the Stanley Cup finals was the most important game the Pittsburgh Penguins would play all season. To avoid going down two games in the series, the Penguins would need to win in Detroit; something that has happened only once in the playoffs.
The 2008 Calder Cup playoffs are moving along quickly and the finals are all set. The Chicago Wolves and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins will battle for the right to hoist the Calder Cup. Which team has the advantage or is an upset going to happen? Here’s a preview.
Game One of the Stanley Cup finals lived up to the hype, and the intensity was everything one should expect from a Stanley Cup finals game. The nerves on both teams were high, but they might have been more starstruck than anything else.
The conference finals are now complete in the 2008 Calder Cup Playoffs. Find out which teams advanced for the chance to play for the Calder Cup. Here’s an update from around the American Hockey League.
The Colorado Avalanche announced Thursday the club has promoted Tony Granato to be the new head coach after Joel Quenneville was let go on May 9th. This will be Granato’s second stint as Colorado’s head coach after holding the position from 2002-04.
The 2008 Calder Cup Playoffs have moved into the conference finals with four teams remaining. The Penguins, Pirates, Wolves, and Marlies are looking to advance to the Calder Cup finals. Here's an update from around the American Hockey League.
The Hershey Bears and Washington Capitals announced on Wednesday they have extended their affiliation for two more years with an option for a third year. In addition, the Bears also extended head coach Bob Woods’ contract, but the duration is yet unknown.
The Stanley Cup finals begin Saturday night and while both teams appear even, the Detroit Red Wings have the advantage. The Penguins rolled through the Eastern Conference, but the Red Wings faced tougher teams from the West. Detroit will win the Stanley Cup and here’s why.
Winning an elimination game is the hardest one of all. The Dallas Stars won two straight to avoid being ousted and force a Game 6, but Nicklas Lidstrom and the Red Wings ultimately prevailed and now advance to the Stanley Cup finals against the Penguins.
The Dallas Stars were once again facing elimination, and they needed to do something no other team has been able to do in the playoffs: win in Detroit. Dallas and Detroit battled through Game 5, but it was Dallas that staved off elimination to force a Game 6 in Dallas.
"We'll make the playoffs and compete for the Stanley Cup," Maple Leafs head coach Paul Maurice proclaimed before the season began. But things didn’t go as planned, and Toronto failed to make the playoffs for a third straight season.
The 2008 Calder Cup Playoffs are moving along quickly and the Western Conference is all set. It’s down to the Chicago Wolves and the Toronto Marlies. Which team will advance to the Calder Cup finals? Here’s a preview of the Western Conference finals.
The 2008 Calder Cup Playoffs have moved into the division finals and each team is looking to advance to the conference finals. Each series features teams that have the ability to win at anytime. Here's an update from around the American Hockey League.
Frustration is mounting in Dallas and it showed at the end of Game 3. The Detroit Red Wings dominated the contest and came away with a 5-2 victory to take a 3-0 series lead and put the Stars on the brink of elimination.
The San Jose Sharks have fired head coach Ron Wilson after a disappointing playoff run. The Sharks won the Pacific Division, but an early and unexpected exit in the postseason seemed to be the last straw for Wilson.
The Dallas Stars were looking to rebound in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals, but it was Detroit’s defense that stopped the Stars instead of the offense. Detroit’s defense led them to a 2-1 win and a 2-0 series lead heading into Game 3.
The 2008 Calder Cup playoffs are moving along quickly and the Eastern Conference is the first to reach the conference finals. It’s down to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and the Portland Pirates. Which team will advance? Here’s a preview.
Joel Quenneville became the second coach to be fired this week after the Colorado Avalanche decided not to bring him back for a fourth season. The announcement came a week after Colorado was swept by the Detroit Red Wings in the semifinals.
The Detroit Red Wings began the Western Conference finals the same way they finished the semifinals – in dominating fashion. Detroit used three power play goals and excellent goaltending by Chris Osgood to beat the Dallas Stars 4-1 for a 1-0 series lead.
The Toronto Maple Leafs fired head coach Paul Maurice on Wednesday after a 12th place finish in the Eastern Conference and another year of missing the playoffs. Maurice is the second person to be let go after general manager John Ferguson, Jr. was fired in January.
The Colorado Avalanche surprised a lot of people with their first round series win over the Minnesota Wild, but their season ended at the hands of the Detroit Red Wings in dominating fashion. Here’s a recap of the season that was in Colorado.
The Los Angeles Kings had yet another season to forget. The franchise that once had Wayne Gretzky, finished last in the Pacific Division, and tied the Tampa Bay Lightning for fewest points in the league with 71. Here’s a season recap.
Normally in the playoffs, even if a sweep occurs, both teams make the series close by tight games. The Detroit Red Wings, on the other hand, absolutely dominated the Colorado Avalanche en route to a commanding four-game sweep.
With their backs against the wall, the Colorado Avalanche was in need of a miracle in Game 3. The return of Peter Forsberg to the lineup after missing the first two games of the series. That’s as good as it was going to get for Colorado, but not even Forsberg could prevent the Red Wings from taking a 3-0 series lead.
The 2008 Calder Cup Playoffs now move to the division finals. Some teams look to continue on their first round success, but others are looking to make a statement. Here's a look at the second round match-ups.
The 2008 Calder Cup Playoffs are in full swing, and each series has already provided some great moments including some overtime games, shutouts, and more. The first round is now complete and here's a recap.
After winning the Southeast Division last season, the Atlanta Thrashers were looking to improve this season and make a deeper run in the playoffs. But a slow start and a lackluster offense resulted in their worst point total since 2003. Here is a review of the season that was in Atlanta.
The 2008 Calder Cup Playoffs are in full swing, and each series has already provided some great moments including some overtime games, shutouts, and more. Here's an update from around the American Hockey League.
The St. Louis Blues headed into this past season with high expectations on returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2004. Instead, they finished last in the Central Division and were once again on the outside looking in. Here's a review of the season.
When the horn sounded Friday night in Wilkes-Barre after a 7-3 loss, Hershey goaltender Frederic Cassivi realized that after three seasons--and two trips to the Calder Cup Finals--it might have been the final time he appeared in a Bears uniform.
The Hershey Bears put up a valiant regular season battle to make the playoffs, but were ousted by the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in the East Division Semifinals in five games.
Sami Lepisto has been enjoying his first full season playing North American hockey with the Hershey Bears and Washington Capitals. Lepisto has been one of Hershey’s top defensemen all season long and even earned recalls to the Washington Capitals.
The 2008 Calder Cup Playoffs are in full swing, and each series has already provided some classic moments: overtime games, shutouts, and more. Here's an update from around the American Hockey League...
Day one of the 2008 Calder Cup Playoffs had everything from overtime games, shutouts, and an upset. Here's a recap of all the first games from around the American Hockey League.
The 2008 Calder Cup Playoffs are set to begin this week, and while there are some obvious choices to advance, there are some teams you will need to keep an eye on. Here is a preview of the first round match-ups.
The Hershey Bears went into the weekend controlling their own destiny, needing three points to reach the postseason. And after a long season of highs and lows, they clinched a playoff spot with a 5-2 win over the Phantoms on Saturday night.
Game 2 of the Western Conference quarterfinals between Detroit and Nashville ended the same way as Game 1, with a Red Wings win, but Nashville didn’t go down without a fight. The Red Wings took advantage of all their breaks to take a commanding 2-0 series lead.
Henrik Zetterberg's two third period goals vaulted the Detroit Red wings to a 3-1 victory in the Game One of the Western Conference quarterfinals against the Nashville Predators. Detroit fired twice as many shots on goal and their offensive advantage finally paid off late in the game.
The Penguins were determined to make a statement against the Ottawa Senators last Wednesday, and that’s exactly what they did. Pittsburgh took control of the game early and never looked back on their way to a 1-0 series lead.
The Pittsburgh Penguins and Ottawa Senators meet in round one of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals. Ottawa dominated at the beginning of the season, but stumbled and watched the Penguins finish second in the conference. Who will prevail in this round one match-up?
Each week, Inside Hockey takes a look back at the week that was in the AHL. This addition of AHL Rewind includes a look at the teams that have clinched a playoff spot, the Pens-Phantoms East Division battle, the overall playoff watch, and more.
The Red Wings and Predators will meet in round one of the Western Conference playoffs. Detroit finished with the NHL’s best regular season record, giving them the number one seed, while the Predators weren’t even expected to make the playoffs.
One week remains in the AHL season, and three teams are in a tight battle for the final playoff spot in the East Division. The Hershey Bears, Binghamton Senators, and Bridgeport Sound Tigers are all separated by six points heading into the final weekend.
The Dallas Stars were predicted by many to finish second in the Western Conference after acquiring Brad Richards, but recent struggles have forced the Stars to regroup. Have they lost the chemistry they once had? It could be very difficult for them to survive the first round.
Each week, Inside Hockey takes a look back at the week that was in the AHL. This addition of AHL Rewind includes the teams that have clinched a playoff spot, the East Division-leading Penguins, the overall playoff watch, and more.
Both Peter Forsberg and Adam Foote have spent time on the sidelines with injuries since coming back to Colorado. But if the Avs hope to have success in the playoffs, they will need to rely more on than just Joe Sakic and Paul Stastny.
The Philadelphia Phantoms, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, and Albany River Rats are all in a close battle for the East Division crown that is shaping up to be decided on the last day.
The San Jose Sharks are one of the most feared teams in the Western Conference. They have scoring, a strong defense, and most importantly Evgeni Nabokov. With Joe Thornton anchoring the forwards and Brian Campbell on defense, San Jose is a playoff threat.
Alexandre Giroux began the season with the Chicago Wolves, but a deadline trade brought Giroux back to Hershey, where he spent last season. Giroux was nice enough to sit down with Inside Hockey for a quick chat about his return to Hershey.
Each week, Inside Hockey takes a look back at the week that was in the AHL. This addition of AHL Rewind looks at the teams that have clinched a playoff spot, the Monarchs-Falcons game, the overall playoff watch, and more.
It has been six years since Detroit last won the Stanley Cup, but this year’s team has all the makings of a championship team. The Red Wings have a core group of veterans mixed in with talented young guys and are primed for a deep playoff run.
With three weeks remaining in the 2008 American Hockey League season, several teams still have high hopes for a chance to play for the Calder Cup. Only three teams have clinched a spot, a few are on the verge, and several are knocking on the door.
Each week, Inside Hockey takes a look back at the week that was in the AHL. This addition of AHL Rewind includes the teams that clinched a playoff spot, the Pens-Sound Tigers brawl, the overall playoff watch, and more.
Being the grandson of an NHL Hall of Fame goaltender might put a lot of pressure on a young boy, but for Grant Stevenson it was an opportunity to see the game from the inside and how a legend can be respected by so many.
The Hershey Bears embarked on their longest road trip in team history on February 27 and didn’t return home until March 15. The nine games would span over 17 days, and would test the chemistry of a young and sometimes inexperienced team.
Each week, Inside Hockey takes a look back at the week that was in the AHL. In this addition of AHL Rewind, it's time to review the Syracuse Crunch playoff drive, Aeros winning streak, the Phantoms struggle, and the overall playoff watch.
The Chicago Wolves have become the best team in the AHL by going 7-1-1-1 in their last ten games. With each passing game, the Wolves move one step closer to the playoffs and one step closer to a possible Calder Cup appearance.
Each week Inside Hockey takes a look back at the week that was in the AHL. In this addition of AHL Rewind, Inside Hockey reviews the River Rats strong surge, the Chicago Wolves staying hot, and many other top performances.
The Washington Capitals had just lost a hard fought game to the Toronto Maple Leafs. After a loss, most guys don’t want to be interviewed or even see the media, but Dave Steckel was nice enough to sit down with Inside Hockey for a quick interview.
The Dallas Stars are moving their American Hockey League affiliate from Des Moines, Iowa to Austin, Texas within the next two years. AHL hockey will stay in Des Moines with a new team nickname and colors as early as next season.
It might have been the NHL trade deadline on Thursday, but plenty of AHL talents were on the move. Several big names including Joe Motzko, Alexandre Giroux, and Al Montoya were all traded yesterday.
The Washington Capitals are a completely different team following the trade deadline on Tuesday. They acquired Cristobal Huet, Sergei Fedorov, and Matt Cooke and the only player traded from Washington was Matt Pettinger.
Mats Sundin has refused to waive his no-trade clause, but interim Maple Leafs GM Cliff Fletcher is still expected to do plenty of dealing before the trade deadline; the Leafs should be amongst the most active "sellers."
Comcast-Spectacor, owner of the Philadelphia Phantoms, announced in January of their intentions to build a new entertainment complex on the grounds currently occupied by the Wachovia Spectrum, home of the Phantoms.
The 2007-08 AHL season has been as wacky as the standings show. Teams that were once contenders are now cellar dwellers. Two teams in particular, Norfolk and Rochester, are looking to rebound from a horrible start to the season.
Miika Wiikman might be just a rookie, but has played like a veteran over the past two weeks. The Mariestad, Sweden native has stepped in to guide the surging Wolf Pack.
After appearing in only 10 games last season with the Hershey Bears, Daren Machesney wasn't expected to see a bulk of the starts or be one of the top goalies in the league. But things changed in a hurry for Machesney...
The AHL hosted its annual All-Star Game on Monday night at the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena in Binghamton, New York. In a thrilling high scoring game, Team Canada defeated PlanetUSA 9-8 in a shootout.
The American Hockey League honored one of its greats on Monday. Tim Tookey, who spent 15 seasons in the AHL, was inducted into the AHL Hall of Fame. He ranks second all-time in scoring for the Hershey Bears.
The Toronto Maple Leafs announced on Tuesday that the organization will relieve General Manager John Ferguson, Jr. of his duties and be replaced by Cliff Fletcher, who will serve in the role on an interim basis.
After a slow start to the season, the Baby Penguins have been on fire the previous 23 games. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton began the season 9-10-0-0, but a recent surge has brought them to within six points of division-leading Philadelphia.
In the final addition of the AHL's mid-season reviews, Inside Hockey takes a look at the West Devision. The West is the tightest in the entire AHL, being led by Rockford and Chicago. The division is wide open and the title is up for grabs.
January 18th was just another day for most people, but for Dean Arsene it finally meant returning to the ice after having double sports hernia surgery during the offseason.
The American Hockey League announced on Friday that San Antonio forward Joey Tenute and Hamilton forward Corey Locke have been added as replacements for Team Canada in the AHL All-Star Game.
The Washington Capitals and Ottawa Senators met Tuesday night in Washington in a pivotal game. For the Capitals, it meant possibly moving to within five points of eighth place Boston. The Sens were looking for their first win over Washington this season.
Inside Hockey continues its in-depth coverage, this time taking a look at the North Division. Toronto has been leading the division all season, but Manitoba isn't far behind.
The American Hockey League announced the rosters for the 2008 All-Star Classic presented by Reebok. The annual festivities will begin on January 27th with the skills competition and will conclude on January 28th with the All-Star game.
Eric Fehr returned to the lineup Wednesday night for the Hershey Bears after missing the last ten and a half months because of back and hip injuries. Fehr last played in a game on February 21st for the Washington Capitals.
Pascal Leclaire’s season began like all NHL goaltenders wished their season would begin. Leclaire posted shutouts in five of his first nine games, and his record was 7-2-0. Could his play turn the Columbus Blue Jackets into contenders?
For the Nashville Predators and Anaheim Ducks, the 2007-08 season has been one that both teams wish would end quickly. Heading into Monday’s match-up in Anaheim, both the Predators and Ducks are battling to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Inside Hockey continues to look into the AHL's mid-season with team reviews; Inside Hockey now takes a look at the East Division. The East has been dominated by the Phantoms all season, but should Philadelphia still be concerned?
The half-way point of the 2007-08 American Hockey League season is upon us. Inside Hockey will take a look at each team, and grade them based performance, stats, and expectations. Inside Hockey will also provide a brief summary of each team's season.
Through the first half of the 2007-08 AHL season, the Providence Bruins have proven to be the team to beat. In Providence’s first 35 games this season, they have won 28 times and lost a total of seven times; two of those losses were in overtime.
On November 22, Bob Woods was named the 22nd coach in Hershey Bears history. He was promoted to interim head coach when Bruce Boudreau was promoted to coach the Washington Capitals on an interim basis.
On December 26, the Washington Capitals officially named Bruce Boudreau their head coach, a month after he was named as interim coach; it was a dream come true for Boudreau.
Nigel Dawes began the 2007-08 season with the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack. The native of Winnipeg, Manitoba impressed in training camp, but failed to secure a roster spot. His stint in Hartford didn’t last long.
After spending the previous four seasons playing for different NHL and AHL teams, Brian Boucher returns to the Philadelphia Phantoms this season. Having last played for the Phantoms in 2000, Boucher signed an AHL deal to return to Philadelphia last summer.
At the conclusion of the 2007-08 AHL season, the Rochester Americans will be looking for a new NHL affiliate. Rochester’s NHL affiliate, the Buffalo Sabres, announced last week that they will be moving their top farm system to another city.
The Hershey Bears are celebrating their 70th season in the American Hockey League during the 2007-08 season. The Bears have dubbed the season “Tradition at its Sweetest.”
On April 12th, Dennis Bonvie will skate in his final regular season game when the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins host the Norfolk Admirals. During a career that spanned over 15 years, Bonvie was always the type of player you either loved or hated.
Hershey Bears President/GM Doug Yingst announced on Sunday that Jakub Klepis has decided to return to Europe. The move became permanent on Sunday, as Klepis played his last game with the Bears.
