Calder Cup Playoffs: Upsets Eliminate Top Seeds as Springfield Thunderbirds Rise
The 2026 Calder Cup Playoffs have been defined by significant upsets, reducing the field to eight teams after eliminating several top regular-season finishers. The Providence Bruins, Ontario Reign, and Charlotte Checkers, all top-five seeds, have been knocked out of contention. In a historic turn of events, the Springfield Thunderbirds, who finished 22nd in the regular season, defeated the league-leading Providence Bruins, overcoming a 38-point deficit, the largest in league history. Springfield now faces the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Meanwhile, the Colorado Eagles are rising as strong contenders, with goaltender Trent Miner recording three shutouts against the high-scoring Henderson Silver Knights. The Toronto Marlies continue their run, providing valuable playoff experience for prospects like Easton Cowan and recent addition Ben Danford. Conversely, the Grand Rapids Griffins are holding steady after defeating the Manitoba Moose, while the Laval Rocket fell due to penalty issues. The Providence Bruins suffered their seventh consecutive early exit, marked by offensive struggles and a long layoff. This postseason highlights the unpredictability of the American Hockey League playoffs, with lower-seeded teams challenging established favorites.
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Calder Cup Playoffs: Upsets Eliminate Top Seeds as Springfield Thunderbirds Rise
The 2026 Calder Cup Playoffs have been defined by significant upsets, reducing the field to eight teams after eliminating several top regular-season finishers. The Providence Bruins, Ontario Reign, and Charlotte Checkers, all top-five seeds, have been knocked out of contention. In a historic turn of events, the Springfield Thunderbirds, who finished 22nd in the regular season, defeated the league-leading Providence Bruins, overcoming a 38-point deficit, the largest in league history. Springfield now faces the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Meanwhile, the Colorado Eagles are rising as strong contenders, with goaltender Trent Miner recording three shutouts against the high-scoring Henderson Silver Knights. The Toronto Marlies continue their run, providing valuable playoff experience for prospects like Easton Cowan and recent addition Ben Danford. Conversely, the Grand Rapids Griffins are holding steady after defeating the Manitoba Moose, while the Laval Rocket fell due to penalty issues. The Providence Bruins suffered their seventh consecutive early exit, marked by offensive struggles and a long layoff. This postseason highlights the unpredictability of the American Hockey League playoffs, with lower-seeded teams challenging established favorites.
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