Chirps from Center Ice

I’m not going to devote a lot of time on this since it’s the same thing every year and this year isn’t any different than any other year.

The AHL released the playing schedule for the 2025-26 season on Thursday.

League release here. Penguins release here. Let’s just ask the same questions we asked last year and jump back in the pool.

1) Do you have a schedule matrix of opponents? Anyone in the Conference we are not playing?

No Western Conference teams this season. All 14 teams in the Eastern Conference, however.

2) Longest road trip? Longest home stand?

Essentially four games for each, four at home that close out the regular season in April and two, four game road trips in January and mid-March.

3) How many three in threes?

Just two.

4) How many work night and Sunday home games?

Four Sunday home games. Two Tuesday home games and seven Wednesday games.

5) Any off the wall schedule time quirks?

In November, on Wednesday, November 12 they are in Bridgeport for a 10:30 a.m. kids day game. Then they play in Springfield on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday January 19 at 3:05 p.m.

They play every day of the week, which includes a Thursday, April 9 game in Bridgeport.

Eight Friday’s off, including Opening Night. They only have two Saturday’s off all season, both in March. All Saturday home games start at 6:05.

Black Friday home game against the Phantoms.

6) Where’s the All-Star Classic this year?

Rockford, Illinois. Nothing says excitement like Illinois in Winter.

7) Playoff structure?

No official mention, but you have to assume that it will be the same as it was last year. 23 teams, same format. Get ready for that first round series with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms again, buddy.

8) What about preseason games?

No word on that yet.

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Debating even running this again next year, it’s too boring and way too predictable. Same teams every year. The only schedule wrinkle is two less with Hershey (10) and two more with Utica (4), two less with Belleville (just home and away this season) and two more with a new look and should be improved Bridgeport Islanders team – wow! How innovative!

Enjoy the rest of your summer. I know I am and don’t want it to end. Talk to you again in the Fall.