Sun May 11 21:30:00 UTC 2025: ## AHL Playoffs Down to the Wire: Three Winner-Take-All Games Today

**Hershey, PA/Charlotte, NC/Milwaukee, WI – May 11, 2025** – The American Hockey League (AHL) playoffs are heating up, with three crucial Game 5 matchups set for today, each deciding a series. This marks only the second time in Calder Cup Playoff history that three winner-take-all games will be played on a single day.

**Hershey Bears vs. Lehigh Valley Phantoms:** The long-standing rivalry between Hershey and Lehigh Valley reaches a climax at the Giant Center. This is the fourth time these teams will clash in a deciding Game 5, with Hershey having won the previous three. The Bears rallied from a 2-2 series tie with a 6-4 road win in Game 4, thanks to a strong start and goaltending changes. The Phantoms, however, are confident after winning three of five regular season games in Hershey and controlling Game 2 of this series. The Game 5 face-off is scheduled for 5:00 PM ET.

**Charlotte Checkers vs. Providence Bruins:** The Atlantic Division semifinal is also tied 2-2, heading to a winner-take-all showdown at Bojangles Coliseum at 3:00 PM ET. The road team has dominated this series, winning all four games away. Providence’s victory in Game 4 was secured in overtime, thanks to goaltender Brandon Bussi’s stellar relief performance after an injury to Michael DiPietro. The Checkers, meanwhile, face uncertainty surrounding the status of key defenseman Matt Kiersted.

**Milwaukee Admirals vs. Rockford IceHogs:** Milwaukee hosts Rockford in a back-and-forth series also tied at 2-2. The road team has won every game so far in this Central Division semifinal, setting the stage for a tense Game 5 at 5:00 PM ET. The Admirals, known for their resilience in elimination games, are looking to extend their playoff run, while Rockford aims to capitalize on their strong third-period performances in the series.

Elsewhere in the AHL playoffs, the Laval Rocket defeated the Cleveland Monsters 3-1, while the Rochester Americans swept the Syracuse Crunch. The next round of playoffs will begin soon, with matchups between Laval and Rochester and Colorado and Abbotsford already set.

The article also noted that the Stanley Cup Playoffs saw Carolina defeat Washington 4-0 to take a 2-1 series lead, and Vegas edge out Edmonton 4-3 in a dramatic final second goal. Finally, the article touched on the IIHF World Championship action, highlighting performances from various AHL players.

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