2004–05 AHL season

The Philadelphia Phantoms won the Calder Cup, defeating the Chicago Wolves in the finals.

The lockout also provided opportunity for several NHL arenas — including those in Anaheim, Buffalo, Nashville, San Jose and Tampa — to host AHL games during the season.

In addition, the shootout (previously used in the 1986–87 season) was reintroduced to the league, to decide a winner in games which remained tied following the overtime period.

[1] The AHL also announced a series of experimental rule changes, most notably a restricted area for goaltenders.

Playing the puck outside the restricted area results in an automatic two-minute delay of game penalty.