The 1994 Calder Cup playoffs of the American Hockey League began on April 13, 1994.[1] The twelve teams that qualified, four from each division, played best-of-seven series for division semifinals and division finals. The highest remaining seed received a bye for the third round while the other two remaining teams played a best-of-3 series, with the winner advancing to play the bye-team in a best-of-seven series for the Calder Cup. The Calder Cup Final ended on May 29, 1994, with the Portland Pirates defeating the Moncton Hawks four games to two to win the first Calder Cup in team history.[2] Portland's Olaf Kolzig won the Jack A. Butterfield Trophy as AHL playoff MVP.[3]
Portland's Mike Boback tied an AHL playoff record for points in a single playoff game by scoring 7 points (3 goals, 4 assists) in game 5 of the Northern division semifinal against the Albany River Rats.[4]
After the 1993-94 AHL regular season, 12 teams qualified for the playoffs. The top four teams from each division qualified for the playoffs. The St. John's Maple Leafs finished the regular season with the best overall record.[5]
In each round the team that earned more points during the regular season receives home ice advantage, meaning they receive the "extra" game on home-ice if the series reaches the maximum number of games. For the Semifinal round, the team that earned the most points during the regular season out of the three remaining teams receives a bye directly to the Calder Cup Final. There is no set series format due to arena scheduling conflicts and travel considerations.[6]
(N2) Portland Pirates receive a bye to the Calder Cup Final by virtue of having earned the highest point total in the regular season out of the three remaining teams.
