Quarterfinals of 2014 AHL Playoffs

Eastern Conference
(4) St. John's IceCaps defeat (8) Norfolk Admirals 4-2
(6) Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins defeat (7) Providence Bruins 4-3

Conference Championship
(4) St. John's IceCaps vs. (6) Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins

Western Conference
(1) Texas Stars defeat (4) Grand Rapids Griffins 4-2
(3) Toronto Marlies defeat (2) Chicago Wolves 4-0

Conference Championship
(1) Texas Stars vs. (3) Toronto Marlies

Analysis

After a few upsets in the 1st round, the quarterfinals didn't have any upsets. Norfolk was giving St. John's all it could handle until John Gibson, one of the best prospects in the Anaheim Ducks' system, was called up to the Ducks to help them against the Kings. After that, except for game 5, St. John's dominated the series. The other Eastern series was much closer. It started out with two blowout wins (one for each team), but the rest of the games were much closer. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton had a huge lead in game 7, but Providence was able to make it close. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton ended up winning that game 5-4.

In the West, the series that I found the most interesting was a great series until the final game. Texas had a 3-2 series lead over Grand Rapids going into game 6, and it seemed like the series would go to a game 7. Texas made sure that didn't happen, as they won the game 7-1. The other series had one game go to overtime, but otherwise, Toronto continued their dominance in the playoffs so far, as they have yet to lose a game.

Each of the series should be a good one, but I have a feeling that the Western Conference series will be a great one. Texas had the best record in the regular season, and Toronto has been the best team in the playoffs. That will be a great battle to see. In my opinion, it will be St. John's vs. Toronto in the Calder Cup Final. What do you think?