Here in the fourth week of February, almost two thirds into the AHL season, the current win streak for the Milwaukee Admirals is a franchise-record of 19 games. Not only that, but Milwaukee is currently tied for second in all-time AHL win streaks. In addition to dominating the Central Division, they’re only five wins behind the first-overall Hershey Bears (41 games won)- which makes the Admirals second overall (at 36 games won).
However, the Bears longest winning streak this season was a nine game streak back in December, and in general, they currently have three players that each account for 30 points or more this season (vs. the Admirals, who have five players that each account for 30 points or more this season).
The AHL is a tough league, so any teams able to manhandle the opposition like the Admirals have done so far must be accounted for. As a point of comparison, it’s worth noting other AHL teams that have had win streaks in the past similar to the Admirals’ current streak. A few of these teams have managed to produce some solid, contributing NHL players.
We will take a look at a few NHL players who got their starts in the minor leagues- specifically NHL players who were on teams that had win streaks similar to the Admirals’- and see if we can then pinpoint some comparable players from Milwaukee’s current squad who might be propelled into the NHL as a result of their runaway success.
14 Wins: San Jose Barracudas (2016-2017) | 15 Wins: Grand Rapids Griffins (2015-2016) |
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15 Wins: Syracuse Crunch (2007-2008) | 17 Wins: Bakersfield Condors (2018-2019) |
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17 Wins: Philadelphia Phantoms (2004-2005) | 28 Wins: Norfolk Admirals (2011-2012) |
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While the AHL is the feeder league to the NHL, and of course we expect players to be promoted into the NHL, this list tells a story of how dominance in the minors translates to longevity in the NHL. If history repeats itself, Milwaukee's current streak will yield a substantial number of new NHL players.
Viewing that from a fantasy perspective, we can target some of these Admiral players who might make an impact in our dynasty leagues. Specifically, here are some of the Admirals players that I have my eyes on:
19 Wins: Milwaukee Admirals (4th Week of Feb. 2024) |
Egor Afanasyev LW/C age 23 Zachary L'Heureux LW/C age 20 Fyodor Svechkov LW/C age 20 Marc Del Gaizo D age 24 Joakim Kemell RW age 19 Reid Schaefer LW age 20 Yaraslov Askarov age 21 |
Photo credits:
@TTLSportsMedia
Ross Bonander
Bruce Bennett/AHL
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
The Hockey News- Dillon Collins
Hershey Bears
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