Results aren’t everything in minor league hockey. For most organizations, the priority at the AHL level is getting players ready and developed to make the leap to the NHL.
On occasions, like Providence in 2019-20 prior to a league shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, teams will find success as they continue to churn out prospects. When the league suspended play in March 2020, Providence was the top team in the AHL’s Eastern Conference and vying for the best record across the league.
During an abbreviated 2021 season, Providence continued its dominance, easily winning a three-team Atlantic Division.