It's a joke, really. The AHL was so determined to head west that they have really bent over backwards for this new pacific division. Should be same number of games across the board, and if the California teams are that insistent on playing fewer games they should deal with the consequence of being at a disadvantage to get into postseason. It's not right to allow teams to play fewer games and base it off of point percentage, instead of points. If SJ, STK, Baco, and SD get to play 8 fewer games then it should have given San Antonio and Texas essentially a 16 point lead in the division from the get go.
It makes you wonder, the AHL ringers on ahl only deals should all be more attracted to the California teams now. Make the same amount of money playing fewer games, seems it would me of more intrigue for an older vet.
Playing 8 fewer games in a season and it being based off point % gives CA teams unfair advantage. Less wear and tear on body going into playoffs , more nights sleeping in your own bed, increased practice/gym time etc. Abbotsford B.C. And St. John's NFL played the same number as the rest of the league in recent years despite them being geographically isolated, don't know why they don't hold the same standard. AHL lost a lot of credibility with this move imo, I expect it from SPHL or FHL but not something this Bush league in AAA hockey.