With the AHL All-Star game over, the second half push is now on for the Stockton Heat. Even though they are ranked third in the league in winning percentage, they do not hold the top spot in either the conference (Milwaukee Admirals) or division (Tucson Roadrunners). At the break, Stockton is three points from the top spot in the Pacific, six points ahead of third, and 11 points ahead of fifth place.
The Heat need to avoid Tucson in the first round, as they are winless in four contests (0-2-1-1) with four meetings left. Their most likely match up would be the Colorado Eagles, which Stockton has won four of six, including three of four in Loveland, with two more home dates scheduled for mid-March.