The American Hockey League (AHL) is celebrating its 90th season with some serious competition heating up in both conferences. The Grand Rapids Griffins, affiliated with the Detroit Red Wings, and the Providence Bruins, linked to the Boston Bruins, are leading their respective conferences. As we dive into the details, let's take a closer look at the standout performances and potential NHL prospects making waves.
Grand Rapids and Providence in a Tight Race
The battle for the top spot is more intense than ever. Providence has been on a tear, winning 12 straight games, matching their franchise record.
With an impressive 18-3-0 run over their last 21 games, they've closed the gap on Grand Rapids, trailing by just two points. Back on January 1st, that deficit was a daunting 11 points.
Both teams are not just leading their conferences; they're surpassing historical benchmarks. Grand Rapids boasts a stellar 38-7-2-1 record, translating to an .823 points percentage, while Providence follows closely at .815 with a 37-8-1-0 record. These numbers are eclipsing the AHL's record for points percentage set by Binghamton in the 1992-93 season.
Looking ahead, Providence is set to host Belleville, while Grand Rapids will welcome Chicago, promising more thrilling action.
Kasper Halttunen's Hat Trick Heroics
San Jose Sharks prospect Kasper Halttunen is making a name for himself in the AHL. The 20-year-old forward lit up the scoreboard with a hat trick for the San Jose Barracuda in their 8-4 victory over Henderson. Halttunen, a second-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, now has 20 points in 42 games this season.
Last year, he dazzled with the London Knights, amassing 41 points in 38 games and earning MVP honors in the OHL playoffs. With his recent performance, Halttunen is certainly catching the eye of NHL scouts.
Jakob Pelletier's Resurgence in Syracuse
The Tampa Bay Lightning have a knack for spotting underrated talent, and Jakob Pelletier could be their next success story. Originally a first-round pick by Calgary, Pelletier joined Tampa Bay after a stint with Philadelphia. While he's only appeared in two games with the Lightning this season, he's been a standout in Syracuse.
Under the guidance of coach Joel Bouchard, Pelletier has thrived, ranking second in the AHL with 50 points in 42 games. His performance earned him a spot at the AHL All-Star Classic alongside Conor Geekie.
Mitchell Gibson: A Goaltending Prospect for the Capitals
The Washington Capitals have a rich history of developing goaltending talent, and Mitchell Gibson might be the next in line. Drafted in the fourth round in 2018, Gibson has shown significant growth in his third professional season.
After honing his skills at Harvard and in the ECHL, Gibson is making his mark in Hershey. With a 6-4-2 record, a 2.48 goals-against average, and a .918 save percentage, he's proving to be a reliable presence between the pipes.
As the AHL season progresses, these stories of emerging talent and fierce competition remind us why hockey fans are so passionate about the sport. Whether it's a team on a winning streak or a player breaking through, the excitement never stops.