As the 20242025 American Hockey League AHL regular season comes to an end, the race for the prestigious Calder Cup intensifies, with the playoff bracket finally taking shape. With the first round of the Calder Cup Playoffs set to begin in just days, teams across the AHL are preparing for what promises to be a thrilling postseason. Lets dive into the latest updates surrounding the Calder Cup Playoff bracket, highlighting some of the key matchups, recent developments, and teams to watch as the battle for the championship unfolds.
Final Playoff Spots Determined in the Pacific and Central Divisions
As of April 21, 2025, the final positions in both the Pacific and Central Divisions were still being decided, with crucial matchups shaping the playoff picture. In the Pacific Division, the Coachella Valley Firebirds 4th seed are gearing up for a firstround showdown against the Calgary Wranglers 5th seed. This marks an exciting rematch as the Firebirds have eliminated the Wranglers in each of the last two postseason appearances. Coachella Valley, coming off a strong regular season where they went 62 against Calgary, is aiming to keep their playoff run alive as they chase the coveted Calder Cup.
Meanwhile, the San Jose Barracuda have clinched their first playoff spot since 2019. They secured their place with a 41 victory over the Ontario Reign, marking an exciting return to the postseason after a long drought. The Barracuda will enter a competitive Pacific Division, where the second through seventhseed teams face off in bestofthree firstround series.
In the Central Division, the Milwaukee Admirals secured the top spot, edging out the Texas Stars for the division title. The Rockford IceHogs 5th seed will face off against either the Grand Rapids Griffins or the Chicago Wolves in what promises to be a fiercely contested first round.
Key Playoff Matchups and Storylines
With the playoff bracket now nearly set, several key storylines are emerging that could shape the outcome of the 2025 Calder Cup Playoffs.
Coachella Valley Firebirds vs. Calgary Wranglers: As mentioned, the Firebirds are set to take on the Wranglers in a bestofthree firstround series, starting on April 22. With a strong record against Calgary in the regular season, the Firebirds are the favorites in this matchup. However, Calgarys resilience in past playoff campaigns could make this series a nailbiter.
Milwaukee Admirals as Central Division Champions: The Admirals, as the top seed in the Central, will face stiff competition from teams like the Texas Stars and the Rockford IceHogs. With homeice advantage, Milwaukee will look to capitalize on their strong performance during the regular season to secure a spot in the deeper rounds.
The San Jose Barracudas Playoff Push: After a fiveyear playoff absence, the Barracuda are back in the postseason. As a team that hasnt advanced past the Western Conference Finals since 2017, their playoff run could be an emotional and thrilling story to follow.
Other Teams to Watch
While some teams have already locked in their playoff spots, others are still in the race. In the North Division, the Toronto Marlies and Cleveland Monsters are already poised for playoff runs, with the Marlies looking particularly strong after dominating the regular season.
On the other hand, the Pacific Division could see some surprises as the Bakersfield Condors, once on the outside looking in, clawed their way back into contention. With a hot streak leading into the final weekend of the regular season, the Condors are one of the underdog teams to keep an eye on.
Conclusion
The 2025 Calder Cup Playoffs are shaping up to be one of the most competitive and exciting postseasons in recent memory. With teams like the Coachella Valley Firebirds, Milwaukee Admirals, and San Jose Barracuda among the top contenders, the stage is set for a thrilling quest for the championship. As the first round approaches, all eyes will be on the teams ready to make their mark, and hockey fans across North America will be treated to highoctane action and plenty of drama. Stay tuned for what promises to be a memorable playoff run as the race for the Calder Cup heats up.