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American Hockey League (AHL)

AHL Playoff Format: Here Is How The Calder Cup Playoffs Work

AHL Playoff Format: Here Is How The Calder Cup Playoffs Work

Before the teams hit the ice, beginning the quest for the Calder Cup, here is a format for the AHL playoffs.

Apr 20, 2025 by Cameron Belcher
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While the Stanley Cup may be one of the most famous trophies in sports, the AHL's Calder Cup has a rich history all its own, dating back to 1938 when it was first awarded to the Providence Reds. The battle for one of the most coveted trophies in the sport is about to begin again next week.

In this playoff tournament, 23 teams qualify across the Atlantic, North, Central, and Pacific divisions, leaving the remaining nine out and preparing for an early offseason.

For the last two years, the Hershey Bears have won the Calder Cup, defeating the Coachella Valley Firebirds in seven games in 2023 and six games in 2024.

Going into the postseason, the Bears clinched the Atlantic Division and continue to show they will be a tough out. They will attempt to go for a third straight championship, which would make them the first team to do it since the Springfield Indians, who won three consecutive Calder Cups from 1960-1962.

How To Watch The 2025 AHL Calder Cup Playoffs

How Does The AHL Playoff Format Work?

The AHL's Calder Cup Playoffs consist of five rounds including a first round that features 14 of the 23 teams that qualify for the playoffs. Those series are played as a best-of-three with the winners advancing to the divisional semifinals.

The remaining nine teams earned a bye to the first round by virtue of having the best records in their division. Because the divisions have uneven numbers of teams, the Atlantic Division has two byes, the North and Central Divisions have three teams receiving a bye and the Pacific Division has just one team earning a bye into the division semifinals.

Here is how each series breaks down:

  • All teams playing in the first round are in a best-of-three series.
  • The division semifinals and finals are then decided in a best of five.
  • Finally, the conference and Calder Cup finals will be best of seven.

What AHL Teams Earned Byes In The Calder Cup Playoffs?

The following nine teams earned a bye in the Calder Cup Playoffs and will await their opponents in the division semifinals.

  • Charlotte Checkers
  • Colorado Eagles*
  • Grand Rapids Griffins
  • Hershey Bears*
  • Laval Rocket*
  • Milwaukee Admirals*
  • Rochester Americans
  • Syracuse Crunch
  • Texas Stars

* - Division Champion

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