Chirps from Center Ice

Welcome back to day four of the annual Chirps from Center Ice AHL Previews. Today we find ourselves in more familiar territory in the Eastern Conference. You can check out the Western Conference Previews of the West here, Midwest here and North here. You can always check out the Previews at anytime on the blog via the handy drop down menu at the top of the site.

Today we examine the Atlantic Division. There have been no affiliation changes or realignments in this division. The Penguins play everyone in this division with home games in bold. OK, here we go…

Manchester Monarchs (Los Angeles Kings)

Last Year: 37-32-3-4 (81 pts., 3rd place Atlantic Division)

Playoffs: 7 seed — Lost in four games to the Springfield Falcons in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.

Head Coach: Mark Morris

Arena: Verizon Wireless Arena

ECHL Affiliation: Ontario Reign

Offseason Moves: Sean Backman, Matt Frattin

The case for: Monarchs always put a good team on the ice that contends.

The case against: But they may be just that. Good. You need to be great to win championships.

Media Coverage: Union Leader

Fan Blog: None — or I haven’t found it yet.

Twitter: @MonarchsHockey

Facebook: /MonarchsHockey

Instagram: monarchshockey

Broadcaster: Ken Cail

vs. WBS: @ 10/20, 1/4

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Portland Pirates (Phoenix Coyotes)

Last Year: 41-30-3-2 (87 pts., 2nd place Atlantic Division)

Playoffs: 6 seed — Lost in three games to the Syracuse Crunch in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.

Head Coach: Ray Edwards

Arena: Androscoggin Bank Colisee*

ECHL Affiliation: Gwinnett Gladiators

Offseason Moves: Kyle Hagel, Tim Kennedy

The case for: I have the Pirates as a dark horse team that can win this division and make some noise in the Eastern Conference.

The case against: This is just an average team in a powerhouse conference.

Media Coverage: Chris Roy for the Maine Hockey Journal (twitter / blog)

Fan Blog: None — or I haven’t found it yet.

Twitter: @portlandpirates

Facebook: /PortlandPirates

Instagram: piratesahl

Broadcaster: Jeff Mannix (twitter)

vs. WBS: @ 1/18, 2/7

* – the Pirates normally play at the Cumberland County Civic Center but were unable to agree to terms for the 2013-14 season

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Providence Bruins (Boston Bruins)

Last Year: 50-21-0-5 (105 pts., 1st place Atlantic Division)

Playoffs: 1 seed — Lost in seven games to the Wilkes-Barre / Scranton Penguins in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Head Coach: Bruce Cassidy

Arena: Dunkin’ Donuts Center

ECHL Affiliation: South Carolina Stingrays

Offseason Moves: Joe Morrow, Matt Fraser, Chad Johnson, Nick Johnson

The case for: P-Bruins can repeat as Atlantic Division champs if they do everything right.

The case against: Last years team lost a 3-0 series lead and was the first team in AHL history to lose said lead when playing Games 6 and 7 at home. The Bruins may be good. But good enough to win it all? I doubt it.

Media Coverage: The Providence Journal — Mark Divver (twitter / blog)

Fan Blog: None — or I haven’t found it yet.

Twitter: @AHLBruins

Facebook: /providencebruins

Instagram: ahlbruins

Broadcaster: Nick Gagalis (twitter)

vs. WBS: @ 1/17, @ 1/19, 2/22, 3/26

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St. John’s IceCaps (Winnipeg Jets)

Last Year: 32-36-3-5 (72 pts., 5th place Atlantic Division)

Playoffs: Did not qualify.

Head Coach: Keith McCambridge

Arena: Mile One Centre

ECHL Affiliation: Ontario Reign

Offseason Moves: Blair Riley, Jerome Samson, Andrew Gordon, Michael Hutchinson

The case for: Veteran scorers in Samson and Gordon should add offensive firepower to this St. John’s team.

The case against: I see no signs that make me believe this team will make any noise in 2013-14.

Media Coverage: St. John’s Telegram — Brendan McCarthy (twitter / blog)

Fan Blog: None — or I haven’t found it yet.

Twitter: @IceCapsAHL

Facebook: /stjohnsicecaps

Instagram: stjohnsicecaps

Broadcaster: Brian Rodgers

vs. WBS: 11/22, 11/23, @ 12/6, @ 12/7

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Worcester Sharks (San Jose Sharks)

Last Year: 31-34-4-7 (73 pts., 4th place Atlantic Division)

Playoffs: Did not qualify.

Head Coach: Roy Sommer

Arena: DCU Center

ECHL Affiliation: San Francisco Bulls

Offseason Moves: Adam Comrie, Ryan McDonough, Rob Davison

The case for: A lineup built on speed and puck movement over the grinding style used in prior campaigns. The Sharks have a solid defensive corps and a continuity in style of play to parent San Jose.

The case against: Too many rookies. Not enough “stud” goal scorers. Alex Stalock has graduated so a question in goal.

Media Coverage: Worcester Telegram & Gazette

Fan Blog: Sharks Page (twitter / blog)

Twitter: @WorcesterSharks

Facebook: /WorcesterSharks

Instagram: worcestersharks

Broadcaster: Eric Lindquist

vs. WBS: @ 10/19, 12/20

Back for day three here for the Chirps from Center Ice AHL Previews as we complete the tour of the Western Conference in the North Division. Get caught up on the West Division here and the Midwest Division here or at anytime on the drop down menu box at the top of the blog.

This years North Division loses the Abbotsford Heat to the West Division and gains the Utica Comets. The Comets are the old Peoria Rivermen franchise and are the affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks. I’ll use last years record for the Chicago Wolves (who were affiliated with Vancouver last year) as the record for the Comets. The Penguins play every team in this division except the Lake Erie Monsters. Home games are listed in bold.

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Hamilton Bulldogs (Montréal Canadiens)

Last Year: 29-41-1-5 (64 pts., 5th place North Division)

Playoffs: Did not qualify.

Head Coach: Sylvain Lefebvre

Arena: Copps Coliseum

ECHL Affiliation: Wheeling Nailers

Offseason Moves: Drew Schiestel, Joël Chouinard, Christian Thomas, Nick Tarnasky, Martin St. Pierre

The case for: The newcomers give fans in the Canadian version of the Steel City hope.

The case against: Hope is one thing. Results are another.

Media Coverage: The Hamilton Spectator

Fan Blog: None — or I haven’t found it yet.

Twitter: @BulldogsAHL

Facebook: /hamiltonbulldogs

Instagram: bulldogsahl

Broadcaster: Derek Wills (twitter)

vs. WBS: @ 3/8, 3/14

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Lake Erie Monsters (Colorado Avalanche)

Last Year: 35-31-3-7 (80 pts., 3rd place North Division)

Playoffs: Did not qualify.

Head Coach: Dean Chynoweth

Arena: Quicken Loans Arena

CHL Affiliation: Denver Cutthroats*

Offseason Moves: Mikaël Tam, André Benoit, Nate Guenin, Nick Holden, J.T. Wyman

The case for: Solid group of players on the shores of Lake Erie. Could surprise a few people. Especially in this division.

The case against: Don’t hold your breath waiting for this team to shock people.

Media Coverage: The Plain Dealer

Fan Blog: None — or I haven’t found it yet.

Twitter: @monstershockey

Facebook: /lakeeriemonsters

Instagram: monstershockey

Broadcaster: Doug Plagens (twitter)

vs. WBS: Do not play.

* – the Lake Erie Monsters don’t have an affiliate in the ECHL, rather affiliating with the Central Hockey League’s Denver Cutthroats

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Toronto Marlies (Toronto Maple Leafs)

Last Year: 43-23-3-7 (96 pts., 1st place North Division)

Playoffs: 2 seed — Lost in six games to the Grand Rapids Griffins in the Western Conference Semifinals.

Head Coach: Steve Spott

Arena: Ricoh Coliseum

ECHL Affiliation: Orlando Solar Bears

Offseason Moves: Trevor Smith, Troy Bodie

The case for: Expect another strong season for the Marlies, who should be around playing in late May.

The case against: Carrying the target of a team to beat may wear on players as a season progresses.

Media Coverage: Kyle Cicerella — at large — (twitter / blog)

Fan Blog: MarliesHQ

Twitter: @TorontoMarlies

Facebook: /TorontoMarlies

Instagram: torontomarlies

Broadcaster: Todd Crocker (twitter)

vs. WBS: @ 3/9, 4/13

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Rochester Americans (Buffalo Sabres)

Last Year: 43-29-3-1 (90 pts., 2nd place North Division)

Playoffs: 7 seed — Lost in three games to the Toronto Marlies in the Western Conference Quarterfinals.

Head Coach: Chadd Cassidy

Arena: Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial

ECHL Affiliation: None

Offseason Moves: Mike Zigomanis, Drew Bagnall, Jamie Tardif

The case for: The Americans can capitalize on the fact they are a good team playing in a weak division.

The case against: One of the teams in the division is the Toronto Marlies, who own the Amerks.

Media Coverage: Democrat and Chronicle — Kevin Oklobzija (twitter / blog)

Fan Blog: Amerks Sin Bin (blog / twitter)

Twitter: @AmerksHockey

Facebook: /RochesterAmericans

Instagram: amerkshockey

Broadcaster: Don Stevens (twitter)

vs. WBS: @ 11/20, 2/1

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Utica Comets (Vancouver Canucks)

Last Year: (as the Chicago Wolves) — 37-30-5-4 (83 pts., 4th place Midwest Division)

Playoffs: Did not qualify.

Head Coach: Travis Green

Arena: Utica Memorial Auditorium

ECHL Affiliation: Kalamazoo Wings

Offseason Moves: Benn Ferriero, John Negrin, David Pacan, Brandon DeFazio, Zach Hamill

The case for: This is the first year Vancouver is running an AHL team on its own. Expect the unexpected.

The case against: Travel. Good players will be up and down between the Mohawk Valley and Hollywood North all season. Plus playing 6 times out in Abbotsford and being one of the more geographically Eastern teams in the Western Conference. Will there be any gas in the tank left come April?

Media Coverage: The Observer-Dispatch

Fan Blog: None — or I haven’t found it yet.

Twitter: @UticaComets

Facebook: /UticaComets

Instagram: uticacomets

Broadcaster: Brendan Burke (twitter) and Alex Faust (twitter)

vs. WBS: 12/14, @ 3/7, 3/22, @ 4/19

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Tomorrow, we come in from left field with these previews and transition into the Eastern Conference with the Atlantic Division Preview at noon. As always, like, share and comment on these Previews.

Back here in the fourth annual Chirps from Center Ice AHL Previews is the Midwest Division. If you missed earliers West Division Preview, you can click to it here, or you can use the drop down menu above.

The lone newcomer to this division is the Iowa Wild, taking place of the now defunct AHL version of the Peoria Rivermen. The Penguins don’t play anyone in this division either. The Chicago Wolves are the new affiliate of the St. Louis Blues, and the record of the old Blues affiliate, the Peoria Rivermen, is used in the capsule.

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Chicago Wolves (St. Louis Blues)

Last Year: (while the Peoria Rivermen) — 33-35-5-3 (74 pts., 5th place Midwest Division)

Playoffs: Did not qualify.

Head Coach: John Anderson

Arena: Allstate Arena

ECHL Affiliation: Kalamazoo Wings and the Missouri Mavericks of the Central Hockey League

Offseason Moves: Corey Locke, Evan Oberg, Keith Aucoin, Christian Hanson, Mark Mancari, Shane Harper

The case for: A virtual AHL Hall of Fame team is going to be iced night in and night out. If there was a preseason favorite to win it all this year, look no further than right here.

The case against: Rarely do you see preseason favorites run the table and win it all.

Media Coverage: Chicago Sun-Times

Fan Blog: None – or I haven’t found it yet.

Twitter: @Chicago_Wolves

Facebook: /chicagowolveshockey

Instagram: chicagowolveshockey

Broadcaster: Jason Shaver (twitter)

vs. WBS: Do not play.

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Grand Rapids Griffins (Detroit Red Wings)

Last Year: 42-26-4-4 (92 pts., 1st place Midwest Division)

Playoffs: 3rd seed — Won Calder Cup by defeating the Syracuse Crunch in six games.

Head Coach: Jeff Blashill

Arena: Van Andel Arena

ECHL Affiliation: Toledo Walleye

Offseason Moves: David McIntyre

The case for: The defending champs lost more than they gained with offseason defections. But don’t let that fool you.

The case against: In the last 25 years, a back-to-back champion has been crowned just twice.

Media Coverage: Peter Wallner for MLive (twitter / blog)

Fan Blog: None — or else I haven’t found it yet.

Twitter: @grgriffins

Facebook: /grgriffins

Instagram: griffinshockey

Broadcaster: Bob Kaser

vs. WBS: Do not play.

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Milwaukee Admirals (Nashville Predators)

Last Year: 41-28-4-3 (89 pts., 2nd place Midwest Division)

Playoffs: 8 seed — Lost in four games to the Texas Stars in the Western Conference Quarterfinals.

Head Coach: Dean Evason

Arena: BMO Harris Bradley Center

ECHL Affiliation: Cincinnati Cyclones

Offseason Moves: Mathieu Tousignant, Barry Almeida, Carter Hutton, Bryan Rodney, Theo Ruth

The case for: Modestly strong offseason for the Admirals,who will be looking to keep the streak of consecutive Calder Cup Playoffs appearances alive.

The case against: Naming eight other teams in the conference better than the Admirals can’t be that hard.

Media Coverage: Journal Sentinel — Dave Boehler (twitter / blog)

Fan Blog: Admirals Roundtable (twitter / blog)

Twitter: @mkeadmirals

Facebook: /mkeadmirals

Instagram: The Admirals don’t dabble in Instagram.

Broadcaster: Aaron Sims (twitter)

vs. WBS: Do not play.

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Iowa Wild (Minnesota Wild)

Last Year: (while the Houston Aeros) — 40-26-5-5 (90 pts., 4th place Midwest Division)

Playoffs: 6 seed — Lost in five games to the Grand Rapids Griffins in the Western Conference Quarterfinals.

Head Coach: Kurt Kleinendorst

Arena: Wells Fargo Arena

ECHL Affiliation: Orlando Solar Bears and the Quad City Mallards of the CHL.

Offseason Moves: Nino Niederreiter, Jon Landry, Jonathon Blum

The case for: This team is going to be invigorated what with a new town, new coach and new fans to play in, for and in front of. Expect a season of success from the Wild in Des Moines.

The case against: I think the above works well in any other division but this one that Iowa is playing in.

Media Coverage: The Des Moines Register

Fan Blog: None — or I haven’t found it yet.

Twitter: @iawild

Facebook: /IAWild

Instagram: iowawild

Broadcaster: Joe O’Donnell (twitter)

vs. WBS: Do not play.

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Rockford IceHogs (Chicago Blackhawks)

Last Year: 42-31-2-1 (87 pts., 3rd place Midwest Division)

Playoffs: Did not qualify.

Head Coach: Ted Dent

Arena: BMO Harris Bank Center

ECHL Affiliation: Toledo Walleye

Offseason Moves: Jared Nightengale, Mike Kostka, Brad Winchester

The case for: The IceHogs nearly got in as the eight seed last season, and if they did, may have upset the apple cart as the team no one wanted to face. Does the trend continue into a new season?

The case against: As with many teams in this division or Conference, it may be that team that plays in the city where the IceHogs parent team lies.

Media Coverage: Rockford Register Star

Fan Blog: None — or I haven’t found it yet.

Twitter: @goicehogs

Facebook: /RockfordIceHogs

Instagram: rockfordicehogs

Broadcaster: Mike Peck (@MikePeck14)

vs. WBS: Do not play.

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Check back tomorrow at noon for the North Division Preview and as always share the Previews with anyone you know and feel free to leave comments.

Welcome to the fourth annual Chirps from Center Ice AHL team previews. This exercise involves me, a Wilkes-Barre / Scranton Penguins fan handicapping all 30 AHL teams. Even the ones that the Penguins have never played or won’t play this season.

Back this year with previous years in each capsule is NHL affiliation, record last season, Head Coach, Arena, ECHL affiliation if applicable, offseason moves, media coverage (fan blog or otherwise) team Twitter and Facebook handles, broadcaster, how many times they play the Penguins, “the case for” and “the case against” the team this season and since I like to add categories with every preview every year, the teams Instagram account can also be found in these previews.

The AHL realigned again this offseason, with the departure of the Peoria Rivermen and Houston Aeros and the genesis of the Utica Comets and the Iowa Wild. The divisions were shook up and renamed again and only affected the Western Conference. Each individual divisional realignment will address who’s new and who’s departed.

You can follow the league @theAHL on Twitter, /TheAHL on Facebook and TheAHL on Instagram.

Today, we start in the “West” division, which was last years “South” division. The Abbotsford Heat move into this division taking the place of the Houston Aeros, who reincarnated as the Iowa Wild. The Penguins don’t play anyone in this division.

Okay. Here we go….

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Abbotsford Heat (Calgary Flames)

Last Year: 34-32-4-6 (78 pts., 4th place North Division)

Playoffs: Did not qualify

Head Coach: Troy Ward

Arena: Abbotsford Entertainment & Sports Centre

ECHL Affiliation: Alaska Aces

Offseason Moves: Chad Billins, Karri Rämö

The case for: A young team that can contend if everything falls into place.

The case against: I don’t see anything here that makes me believe this team will contend.

Media Coverage: Abbotsford News — Dan Kinvig (twitter / blog)

Fan Blog: None — or I haven’t found it yet.

Twitter: @abbotsfordheat

Facebook: /AbbotsfordHeat

Instagram: abbotsfordheat

Broadcaster: Brandon Astle (twitter)

vs. WBS: Do not play.

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Charlotte Checkers (Carolina Hurricanes)

Last Year: 42-26-4-4 (92 pts., 2nd place South Division)

Playoffs: 4th seed — lost in five games to the Oklahoma City Barons in the Western Conference Quarterfinals.

Head Coach: Jeff Daniels

Arena: Time Warner Cable Arena

ECHL Affiliation: Florida Everblades

Offseason Moves: Matt Corrente, Mike Murphy

The case for: There are four teams that can win this division. Charlotte is one of them.

The case against: There are four teams that can win the division.

Media Coverage: Charlotte Observer

Fan Blog: Chasing Checkers (twitter / blog)

Twitter: @CheckersHockey

Facebook: /charlottecheckers

Instagram: checkershockey

Broadcaster: Jason Shaya (twitter)

vs. WBS: Do not play.

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Texas Stars (Dallas Stars)

Last Year: 43-22-5-6 (97 pts., 1st place South Division)

Playoffs: 1st seed — lost in five games to the Oklahoma City Barons in the Western Conference Semifinals.

Head Coach: Willie Desjardins

Arena: Cedar Park Center

ECHL Affiliation: Idaho Steelheads

Offseason Moves: Pat Nagle, Ryan Button, Chris Mueller

The case for: Desjardins is on many NHL GM’s radars as a candidate to coach in the NHL someday. The best coached team in the Western Conference? Look no further.

The case against: Competition is stiffer in the West than it has been in past seasons. In a division where almost any team can end up at the top, the Stars margin for error will be slim.

Media Coverage: The Statesman

Fan Blog: 100 Degree Hockey (twitter / blog)

Twitter: @TexasStars

Facebook: /TexasStars

Instagram: txstarshockey

Broadcaster: Owen Newkirk (twitter)

vs. WBS: Do not play.

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Oklahoma City Barons (Edmonton Oilers)

Last Year: 40-25-2-9 (91 pts., 3rd place South Division)

Playoffs: 5th seed — lost in seven games to the Grand Rapids Griffins in the Western Conference Finals.

Head Coach: Todd Nelson

Arena: Cox Convention Center

ECHL Affiliation: Bakersfield Condors

Offseason Moves: Derek Nesbitt, Matt Ford, Richard Bachman, Ryan Hamilton

The case for: The Barons have what it takes to win a lot of games in this division and will be at the top of the Conference all season long.

The case against: So do a lot of other teams in this conference with slightly better lineups.

Media Coverage: The Oklahoman

Fan Blog: Tend the Farm

Twitter: @okcbarons

Facebook: /OKCBarons

Instagram: okcbarons

Broadcaster: Jim Byers (twitter)

vs. WBS: Do not play.

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San Antonio Rampage (Florida Panthers)

Last Year: 29-38-2-7 (67 pts., 5th place South Division)

Playoffs: Did not qualify.

Head Coach: Peter Horacheck

Arena: AT&T Center

ECHL Affiliation: Cincinnati Cylcones

Offseason Moves: Phillippe Cornet, Jon Matsumoto

The case for: Very much improved lineup with the additions made this offseason. Looking for a sleeper team? Meet me in San Antonio.

The case against: This team may “sleep” past it’s alarm.

Media Coverage: My San Antonio

Fan Blog: Runnin’ with the Herd (twitter / blog)

Twitter: @sarampage

Facebook: /sarampagehockey

Instagram: sarampage

Broadcaster: Dan Weiss (twitter)

vs. WBS: Do not play.

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Check out the blog in about twelve hours as we cram in two divisions in the span of 24 hours! The Midwest Division is next up.

As always, feel free to share and comment.