After a Lucas Johansen game-winner gave the Hershey Bears the series sweep in the Atlantic Division Championship, the Washington Capitals’ AHL affiliate is one step closer to hoisting the Calder Cup.
But first, the team will have to get through the Rochester Americans — the Buffalo Sabres’ affiliate — in the Eastern Conference Finals. Rochester emerges after a 3-0 series sweep of the Toronto Marlies, who were the top seed in the North Division.
The Americans have been one of the league’s hottest playoff teams, boasting a lineup of seven different players with nine or more points. Hershey’s leaders, on the other hand, are forwards Aliaksei Protas, Sam Anas and Joe Snively, each with seven.
Defensively, Bears goalie Hunter Shepard has been lights on during the playoffs. His goals against average of 1.71 is the second-highest in the league, and he comes off a Game 3 with a .971 save percentage.
Here’s the schedule for the AHL playoff round (all times Eastern):
Game 1: Tuesday, May 23 at Hershey, 7 p.m.
Game 2: Thursday, May 25 at Hershey, 7 p.m.
Game 3: Saturday, May 27 at Rochester, 7:05 p.m.
Game 4: Monday, May 29 at Rochester, 6:05 p.m.
Game 5*: Wednesday, May 31 at Hershey, 7 p.m.
Game 6*: Friday, June 2 at Rochester, 7:05 p.m.
Game 7*: Monday, June 5 at Hershey, 7 p.m.
(*)=if necessary
Tickets for the conference finals matchup go on sale on Thursday via Ticketmaster.
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