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.
Hunter Shepard, the goaltender for the Hershey Bears, was named the MVP of the Calder Cup Playoffs and received the Jack A. Butterfield Trophy. He had a 14-6 overall postseason record with a .914 save percentage, 2.27 goals-against average, and three shutouts. Shepard's performance in the final game of the season helped the Bears win their first Calder Cup championship in 13 years. He is likely to be re-signed by the team despite being without a contract in nine days.
The Rochester Americans lost 1-0 to the Hershey Bears in the AHL Eastern Conference Finals, ending their playoff run. Despite being 4-0 in elimination games before Friday, Rochester struggled to score against Hershey's goaltender, Hunter Shepard, who had a shutout in Game 6. Rochester's power play, which helped them get to the Eastern Conference Finals, went 1-for-15 in the series, while Hershey went 3-for-15. The Amerks lost the series because they went 0-3 at home and were shutout twice.
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.