Folks, having a good National Hockey League team is really tough. Presently, only half of the NHL’s 32 clubs make the playoffs. The same thing is true in the American Hockey League most years, though this season they have a wacky modified playoff format so more teams qualify. But suffice it to say, it’s a rarity when an organization’s NHL parent and AHL affiliate are both good. This season, the Calgary Flames and their AHL club, the Stockton Heat, have qualified for the playoffs.
On Friday night, they can make some organizational history if both teams manage to advance in their post-season series.