From Malenstyn To Lapierre, Capitals Prospects Impress As Hershey Advances In Calder Cup Playoffs

The Washington Capitals saw a lot from their youth in a strong second round, as their prospects came together to impress and help the Hershey Bears win their series against the Charlotte Checkers to move on in the 2023 Calder Cup Playoffs.

After going down 2-0 in the first period, the Bears rallied for six unanswered goals en route to the 6-2 win -- and it was thanks to the likes of Beck Malenstyn, Hendrix Lapierre and more.

Here's who impressed in the series and Game 4.

Malenstyn's first goal of the playoffs helped kick off Hershey's rally in Game 4, but it was his physicality and setting the tone that impressed more than his stat line.

The 25-year-old was making big hits and being a pain in the Checkers' side all series, and he even broke the glass on Thursday with a booming check. He also had a breakaway goal and showed he can score big goals at big times.

Malenstyn who was gelling great up in D.C. and showing he can be a full-time fourth-liner before breaking his hand, continues to rise to the occasion while also playing a pivotal role at both ends. And so far, with his performance, he's making quite a case to make the full-time jump next year.

Aliaksei Protas struck twice to help power the Hershey rally and has been a major impact player since returning to the AHL after spending a majority of the year up with the Capitals and improving his game.

The 23-year-old has three goals and two assists through four playoff games so far, and he has been a force at both ends of the ice and a versatile piece of the lineup. He hasn't shied away from getting to the high-danger areas, and he's also improved his shot.

Protas stood out to earn a roster spot with Washington this past season, and he also took major steps forward in adding to his game. That's shown with the Bears so far.

It's been an up-and-down rookie year for Lapierre down in the AHL, but so far these playoffs, he has made a major impact.

The 21-year-old has a goal and two assists through four games in the postseason and has shown good chemistry and versatility on the third line with Protas and Chevy Chase, Maryland native Sam Anas. He's also showcased his skating and speed and effectively carries the puck up ice to generate pressure going the other way.

There are going to be openings come training camp, and Lapierre is likely in for a big summer as he looks to impress after failing to make the cut this past year.

Snively has shown what he can do and that he can be a clutch player and contributor at the NHL level, and he's shown the exact same thing with Hershey over the course of his tenure with the Capitals organization.

The 27-year-old has a goal and four assists through four games so far and has been a major contributor, and he continues to make smart plays and spark a lot on offense.

Connor McMichael continues to show what he can do and had goals in back-to-back games to open the series. He continues to be a force to be reckoned with as a top-6 center and is gaining confidence with each game.

The 22-year-old has benefitted from more ice time and responsibility down at the AHL level after getting just six games and being a healthy scratch to open the year with the Capitals. Since then, has been utilized almost everywhere, from the penalty kill to the power play, and has shown he can be a consistent 200-foot player. He's also worn the "A" and has led by example while ending the regular season on a red-hot streak that's carried over

As was said for Lapierre, McMichael has a big offseason ahead of him as he looks to make the full-time NHL jump and impress a new head coach.

Iorio has two assists through four playoff games so far and has made an impact as a shutdown defenseman in his rookie AHL season. He's been able to lay the body, move the puck effectively on ice and showcase his ability, and he did the same during his three-game call-up.