The Quest for the Cup, 2008
The AHL season for 2008 has ended. Let the second season begin.

Dan HICKLING
for SZ

For 16 American Hockey League teams, it does not matter that the Providence Bruins led the AHL wire to wire in racking up a league best 117 points.

The Syracuse Crunch had the never-ending win streak in regulation over the two months.

Note it for the record books and histories of 2008.

This year's Calder Cup field is as level as any seen in recent years. Indeed, all but the Manchester Monarchs notched 90 points or better, and the Monarchs fell just two short of that mark.

"Everybody amps it up pretty good," said Portland Pirate defenseman Jay Leach. "The 80 games are done. You're living to see tomorrow. Everyone's playing desperate hockey. The intensity, and everything else gets raised."

Let the second season begin!