The 1973 Calder Cup playoffs of the American Hockey League began on April 3, 1973.[1] The eight teams that qualified played best-of-seven series for Division Semifinals and Finals. The division champions played a best-of-seven series for the Calder Cup. The Calder Cup Final ended on May 15, 1973, with the Cincinnati Swords defeating the Nova Scotia Voyageurs four games to one to win the only Calder Cup in team history.[2]
After the 1972–73 AHL regular season, the top three teams from each division qualified for the playoffs. The Cincinnati Swords finished the regular season with the best overall record.[3]
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.[4]