Patrick Williams submits the FloHockey AHL Power Rankings each week during the regular season.
The Grand Rapids Griffins took over on the opposing ice while the streaking Providence Bruins were placed in the running for first place in the AHL. A hot Charlotte Checkers team will see both of those teams soon.
Let’s break down the top half of the AHL.
1) Grand Rapids Griffins (–)
It took 18 games, or the entire first half of the Griffins’ road schedule, but someone finally beat them on the road in regulation. The Manitoba Moose pulled out a last-minute victory to leave the Griffins’ road undefeated in an AHL record 17 games (15-0-1-1).
2) Providence Bruins (–)
Instead, surprisingly, the Griffins are on track to break several AHL season records. However, the P-Bruins are only six points behind them at the top of the AHL. In any other season, Providence’s performance would have stood out even more. A tough test awaits them this weekend with a pair of games in Charlotte.
2026 Providence Bruins vs Charlotte Checkers
3) Dominion of Ontario (–)
In the battle of the top teams, Reign faced the Colorado Eagles 4-1 last Saturday night. That effort followed a road win in the Coachella Valley against another quality opponent.
4) Charlotte Checkers (+3)
The Checkers traveled to Lehigh Valley, gave up eight goals to the Phantoms, and added five more the next night in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Noah Gregor and Jack Studnicka are on the Charlotte roster now. However, a difficult accommodation awaits. After a two game set with Providence, a pair of home games with Grand Rapids will come next weekend.
5) Colorado Eagles (-1)
Against tough schedules, the Eagles managed two out of six points last week. Still, they poured 45 shots on the Condors last Friday in a 4-1 win. It still seems that this Eagles team has not reached its potential, but if this team is there, it can dominate.
6) Bakersfield Condors (-1)
After splitting with Colorado at home, the Condors dropped a game at San Jose to end their week. Allowing an average of 38.7 shots per game like the Condors did in those three games won’t last, even if Matt Tomkins and Connor Ungar give them outstanding scoring.
7) Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (-1)
Fortunately for the Penguins, their season series with Charlotte is over. One of their worst games this season was against the Checkers. It’s a game that doesn’t work for the Penguins. They are 5-5-1-1 since Dec. 28. Syracuse, a 6-0 team back on Jan. 3, will follow the Penguins. They will have to be ready.
8) San Jose Barracuda (–)
Laurent Brossoit’s early numbers with the Barracuda were far from his level, but there’s plenty of reason to think he’ll find his game as he gets more work. Taking out a top opponent like Bakersfield is definitely encouraging. Another NHLer, defenseman Nick Leddy, has not played for the Barracuda since clearing waivers and joining the team. But the high prospect of Igor Chernyshov’s return is a significant development.
9) Chicago Wolves (–)
After allowing 18 goals in a three-game span, the Wolves got back to workable form with a 4-1 win at Rockford. They entered hockey on a last-gasp two-game sweep of Cleveland. Some nights they can overcome their mistakes. Some nights, those mistakes come back to haunt them. They need to clean up those mistakes as we head into the second half and fight for second place in the Central Division.
10) Coachella Valley Firebirds (+2)
Last Friday was a tough night for the Firebirds, who lost to Ontario despite holding Reign to 17 shots. However, they have seven points from the games (6-0-1-0) and have emerged as a disruptor in the Pacific Division. The home game against Colorado is scheduled for Wednesday, and the Firebirds’ week will end on Saturday with a rematch against Reign, this time on the road.
11) Laval Rocket (-1)
The trip out west was a lie for the Rockets, who lost one each against Abbotsford and Calgary, two teams below the Pacific Division playoff line. Maybe it’s a midseason stumble, the kind that even a powerhouse like Grand Rapids can experience. Defenseman David Reinbacher is also day-to-day after taking a hit last Saturday afternoon in Calgary. They head back east now, starting Friday in Syracuse.
12) Manitoba Moose (+1)
They became the first team to hand Grand Rapids a road loss. No other team can claim that.
13) Syracuse Crunch (-2)
In its two trips to Utica this month, the Crunch have been outscored a combined 8-1. A team with eyes on becoming a legitimate contender can’t have those kinds of disappointments against a team in last place in the Eastern Conference.
14) Rochester Americans (+2)
Devon Levi allowed three goals in three games last week and had only one win through no fault of his own. The management of the Buffalo Sabers went out to get the Americans help, they got the defender Gavin Bayreuther from the Carolina Hurricanes. They have two home games this week against the Hershey Bears in a battle of two old AHL clubs.
15) Toronto Marlies (NR)
Toronto Maple Leafs return to normal in net should be good news for Marlies, acquired Dennis Hildeby. Hildeby was limited to five games for the Marlies. His return should mean relief for Artur Akhtyamov, who has struggled.
16) Tucson Roadrunners (-1)
The trip to Henderson earned the Roadrunners a split of the two-game set. The Utah Mammoth recalled senior defenseman Dmitri Simashev, a tough loss for a team that has struggled recently. After the trip to San Diego, they have the Eagles in two weekend games.
Get out
The Hershey Bears
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