The Hershey Bears advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals after defeating the Hartford Wolf Pack 4-1, powered by two goals from Garrett Roe and 17 saves from goaltender Hunter Shepard.
The Hershey Bears defeated the Hartford Wolf Pack 4-2 in Game 2 of the AHL playoffs, taking a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series. The Bears dominated physically, with their fourth line leading the charge. Hartford responded with some rough play, but Hershey's power play was effective, and they took control of the game. Hunter Shepard made 25 saves for the Bears, who played without top defenseman Aaron Ness and first-line center Michael Sgarbossa due to injury. Hershey will look to sweep the series in Hartford.
The Hartford Wolf Pack defeated the Providence Bruins 4-0 in Game Four of the Atlantic Divisional Semifinals, advancing to the Atlantic Division Finals. Dylan Garand made 32 saves and earned his second shutout of the Calder Cup Playoffs. Turner Elson, Jake Leschyshyn (2), and Ryan Carpenter scored for the Wolf Pack. Hartford will face the Hershey Bears in the next round.
The Hershey Bears will face the Hartford Wolf Pack in the Atlantic Division Final of the AHL playoffs. The Bears will have home-ice advantage in the best-of-five series, which starts on May 11. Hartford upset the Providence Bruins to reach this stage. Hershey won four of six games against Hartford in the regular season, but the Wolf Pack have added several players since then. Jonny Brodzinski leads Hartford in points, while Will Cuylle has scored the most goals.
The Hartford Wolf Pack are one win away from eliminating the Providence Bruins and continuing their Cinderella run to the AHL's Calder Cup. The team, which hadn't made the playoffs since 2014-15, has been boosted by key players added by Rangers management near the trade deadline. Captain Jonny Brodzinski is confident in the team's ability to go deep in the playoffs. If they make it to the West, the Calgary Wranglers could be a tough obstacle, but it would still be a fantastic experience for the Rangers' prospects.
The Hartford Wolf Pack swept the Springfield Thunderbirds in the first round of the Calder Cup Playoffs with a 7-1 victory in Game Two. Seven different players scored for the Wolf Pack, including Wyatt Kalynuk, who scored his first career playoff goal and game-winner. Anton Blidh and Tanner Fritz each had three-point nights. The Wolf Pack will face the Providence Bruins in the Atlantic Division Semifinals.