The 1981 Calder Cup playoffs of the American Hockey League began on April 7, 1981.1981 AHL playoff results The Internet Hockey Database. Retrieved on May 10, 2008. The eight teams that qualified played best-of-seven series for Division Semifinals and Division Finals. The division champions played a best-of-seven series for the Calder Cup. The Calder Cup Final ended on May 20, 1981, with the Adirondack Red Wings defeating the Maine Mariners four games to two to win the Calder Cup for the first time in team history.Calder Cup champions caldercup.com. Retrieved on May 10, 2008.
Maine set an AHL record for the most goals allowed in one playoff with 81.Calder Cup record book: Teams caldercup.com. Retrieved on May 10, 2008. What makes this more notable is that the AHL playoffs now consist of four rounds of best-of-7 series, whereas Maine set this record in only 20 games—where the playoffs consisted of only three rounds of best-of-7 series.2007 Calder Cup playoffs caldercup.com. Retrieved on May 10, 2008.
Playoff seeds After the 1980–81 AHL regular season, the top four teams from each division qualified for the playoffs. The Hershey Bears finished the regular season with the best overall record.1980-81 AHL standings The Internet Hockey Database. Retrieved on May 10, 2008.
Northern Division Maine Mariners - 97 points New Brunswick Hawks - 84 points Nova Scotia Voyageurs - 81 points Springfield Indians - 73 points
Southern Division Hershey Bears - 103 points Adirondack Red Wings - 75 points Binghamton Whalers - 70 points New Haven Nighthawks - 69 points
Bracket
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. There is no set series format due to arena scheduling conflicts and travel considerations.Frequently asked questions theahl.com. Retrieved on May 12, 2008.
Division Semifinals Note 1: Home team is listed first. Note 2: The number of overtime periods played (where applicable) is not indicated
Northern Division
(1) Maine Mariners vs. (4) Springfield Indians
(2) New Brunswick Hawks vs. (3) Nova Scotia Voyageurs
Southern Division
(1) Hershey Bears vs. (4) New Haven Nighthawks
(2) Adirondack Red Wings vs. (3) Binghamton Whalers
Division Finals
Northern Division
(1) Maine Mariners vs. (2) New Brunswick Hawks
Southern Division
(1) Hershey Bears vs. (2) Adirondack Red Wings
Calder Cup Final
(N1) Maine Mariners vs. (S2) Adirondack Red Wings
See also 1980–81 AHL season List of AHL seasons
References