Atlantic Division Finals begin Thursday
The Atlantic Division Finals between the Hartford Wolf Pack and defending Calder Cup Champion Hershey Bears kicks off Thursday.
Hershey finished atop the AHL with a record of 53-14-5 and 111 points. Hartford finished fifth in the Atlantic Division with a record of 34-28-7 with 78 points.
The Wolf Pack have had a strong playoff, defeating Charlotte in three games and Providence in four to get here. Hershey took down Lehigh Valley in four games, benefitting from their first-round bye.
The Bears continue their quest to be the first team to go back-to-back since the 2008-09 and 09-10 Hershey teams.
Hershey took the season series between these two 3-1, outscoring Hartford 13-8.
KEY PLAYERS:
Hendrix Lapierre
Lapierre put up 22 points in 51 games with the Capitals and 17 in 21 with the Bears. After a strong showing in Washington's first round loss he will be relied on for offense.
Chase Priskie
Hershey's top scoring defenseman, Priskie had 34 points in the regular season and has three in four games so far in the playoffs. His puck moving ability is essential for a Bears team that relies on offense by committee.
Nic Petan
The veteran forward had 48 points in 59 games this season and has four in seven playoff games. His playmaking ability and power play skill will be essential for Hartford.
Brennan Othmann
The Rangers top prospect posted a solid 49 points in 67 games this season and has five in seven games during the playoffs. He has had some defensive struggles in his first pro season but his offensive skill is undeniable. The Wolf Pack will need him to provide offense and make things difficult for Shepard in front of the net.
GOALTENDING:
The matchup in net is close but goes to Hershey based on experience. Reigning AHL goalie of the year Hunter Shepard is 3-1 with a .940 save percentage throughout this years playoffs after posting a remarkable 27-4-3 record during the regular season.
21-year-old Dylan Garand has held down the fort for the Wolf Pack, he has played the most minutes of any goaltender so far in the playoffs and has a 5-2 record with a .931 save percentage.
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