Springfield Thunderbirds clinch playoff spot with win over Lehigh Valley

The Thunderbirds will make the playoffs for the fourth time in five years.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 1:52am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented hockey game scene, with overlapping planes of navy, red, and silver colors representing the dynamic action on the ice.The Thunderbirds' playoff berth continues their recent run of success in the AHL's Atlantic Division.Springfield Today

The Springfield Thunderbirds clinched a spot in the Calder Cup Playoffs with a 7-1 win over the Lehigh Valley Phantoms on Wednesday night. This will mark the fourth time in five years that the Thunderbirds have made the playoffs, after reaching the Calder Cup Finals in 2022 where they lost to the Chicago Wolves.

Why it matters

Making the playoffs is a significant achievement for the Thunderbirds, as it continues the team's recent run of success and keeps them in contention for the Calder Cup championship. The Thunderbirds have emerged as one of the top teams in the AHL's Atlantic Division in recent years.

The details

The top six teams in the AHL's Atlantic Division will make the playoffs, with the top two teams receiving byes to the division semifinals. The Thunderbirds will be one of the third- through sixth-place seeds, and will compete in a best-of-three first round series against an opponent to be determined. The Thunderbirds have two regular season games remaining before the playoffs begin.

  • The Thunderbirds clinched their playoff berth on Wednesday, April 16, 2026.
  • The Thunderbirds made the playoffs for the fourth time in five years.
  • The Thunderbirds reached the Calder Cup Finals in 2022, where they lost to the Chicago Wolves.

The players

Springfield Thunderbirds

A professional ice hockey team that plays in the American Hockey League (AHL), which is the primary developmental league for the National Hockey League (NHL).

Lehigh Valley Phantoms

A professional ice hockey team that plays in the AHL and is the primary affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers NHL team.

Chicago Wolves

A professional ice hockey team that plays in the AHL and is the primary affiliate of the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Thunderbirds' playoff opponent and schedule will be released at a later date. Fans can lock in their seats for the home playoff games with the team's Pay As We Play Plan.

The takeaway

The Thunderbirds' consistent playoff appearances in recent years demonstrate the team's competitiveness and ability to contend for the AHL championship. Their success has helped build excitement and support for professional hockey in the Springfield area.