For the third time in nine years, the Texas Stars face off against the Eastern Conference champions for a chance at the crowning achievement of every AHL season, Calder Cup glory.
This year, Texas sits in a very similar position to the first time they went to the Calder Cup. While everyone remembers that team for the postseason run they went on, one thing that gets glossed over is that they were not the best team in the conference in the regular season. They weren't even the best team in the division. Finishing second in the West Division after a 10-4 finish through March and April, they were favored in their first round matchup against Rockford but not really considered a threat thereafter.