© Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/e5adb39a-9885-4c98-8ded-61085a230b29.jpeg] © Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images AHL Graduates Making A Difference In NHL The Milwaukee Admirals and Texas Stars both clinched spots in the 2025 AHL Calder Cup Playoffs on Mar. 23. The Admirals clinched their spot due to the Iowa Wild losing 7-4 to the Ontario Reign, while the Stars secured their spot with a 5-2 win over the Chicago Wolves. Texas have now qualified for the Calder Cup Playoffs four seasons in a row, Milwaukee have made the playoffs in 19 of their 22 seasons in the AHL. The Admirals defeated Texas in game five of the best-of-five Central Division Semifinals before losing in the Conference Finals to the Coachella Valley Firebirds in both 2023 and 2024. The Stars sit atop the Central Division with 77 points and a record of 37-20-3. The Admirals are just behind Texas with 75 points and a 32-20-5-6 record. The two teams will be two of five teams who qualify from the division, the top three earn a bye to the Central Division Semifinals. Milwaukee are led by veteran Cal O'Reilly who tops the team with 41 points in 59 games. He became the ninth AHL player to reach 1000 games played earlier this season [https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/cal-oreilly-becomes-ninth-ahl-210438223.html]. Texas forward Matej Blumel has 35 goals and 62 points in 55 games this season, placing him first in the league in goals and second in points. You can track the AHL's playoff race here [https://theahl.com/2025playoffprimer]. Make sure you bookmark The Hockey News' AHL Page [https://thehockeynews.com/ahl/] for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more.
