The Rochester Americans clinched a berth in the 2025 Calder Cup Playoffs on Wednesday night with a 4-2 win over the Springfield Thunderbirds. Rochester will play in the postseason for the 50th time in franchise history as they chase their seventh Calder Cup.
Rochester has had a dominant season thus far as they sit at 40-18-7 on the year, which is good for 87 total points. The Americans are the second team to clinch a playoff spot out of the North Division, which will see five teams make the postseason. They only trail Laval for the top spot in the North Division and the top spot in the Eastern Conference.
The Sabres have to be more than pleased with how the Americans have done this season, as this can only mean good things to come in the future. And here’s why.
Playoff Experience
Rochester has made the playoffs now the last four seasons which can only help these Sabres prospects going forward. The Sabres are looking at their 15th straight season without any playoffs, so unless you are coming in via trade, you don’t carry any true playoff experience.
However, the AHL playoffs are just as competitive as the NHL playoffs, and it gives these players a sense of determination. They will do the same thing at the NHL level once they get there so aren’t inexperienced.
Who to watch for next year
I think the most important aspect of this cup run is to view who is ready for the main roster. View it as a tryout per se, as the Sabres called up more than a handful of players this year.
Rochester is going to be led by their Swedish trio of Isak Rosen, Noah Ostlund, and Anton Wahlberg. These three have arguably been one of, if not the best line in the AHL at times. All three players scored Wednesday night against the Springfield Thunderbirds as well.
Rosen is an MVP candidate, Ostlund recently won both Player of the Month and Week during March, and Wahlberg is having a 30-point season at just 19 years old.
Not to mention Brett Murray, a longtime AHL player who made the All-Star game this year. As well as Devon Levi, who is up for Goalie of the Year, and was also an All-Star.
This Rochester team is as complete as it gets, and with a deep playoff run, the Sabres are going to have a deep talent pool to choose from next year.