The Final Countdown: Buckling Up For Final Stretch

The Final Countdown: Buckling Up for Final Stretch

One of the most common songs fans hear at sporting events is “Final Countdown” by Europe, and that is the theme for the Washington Capitals (36-27-9, 81 points) heading into the final 10 games of the season.

The Capitals, for the better part of two months, have embraced the playoff intensity a little earlier than they would’ve liked. Despite this season marked by roller coaster results, the locals find themselves in the second wild card spot following Thursday’s action.

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Prospect Profile: Martin Fehervary

Prospect Profile: Martin Fehervary

Martin Fehervary is adjusting to North American hockey with the Hershey Bears while making an impact on the team and demonstrating how he can benefit the Caps in the future. The Capitals drafted him in the second round of the 2018 entry-level NHL draft as the 46th overall pick. The twenty-year-old played in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) before traveling to America to pursue his hockey career. He has persistently impressed the coaches at the NHL level without any prior play in America. The defenseman showed what he was capable of throughout the recent Caps’ development and rookie camp, which lead to him initially making the Caps’ roster at the beginning of this season. However, he was sent to Hershey to continue his development and has been working hard with the team this season.

Instead of playing in his hometown of Slovakia, Fehervary played in Sweden to ensure more opportunities for his hockey career. He played with HV71 last season, where he skated in 45 games while tallying one goal and four assists. Seven points was his regular-season career-high while playing in the SHL. He then went on to play another nine games that season as his team competed in the playoffs, and put up three assists during that time. He also participated in the World Junior Championship for three years. During last year’s tournament, he was team captain for Slovakia and played in five games with one goal and four assists. In addition, he has played in the IIHF World Championship for team Slovakia, where many players in the tournament are from professional teams, such as NHL teams who are not in contention for the Stanley Cup. Teams do not rely on him for his offensive production, but his defensive mindset and skills are what allow him to stand out from other players and prospects. Despite this and his prior offensive stats, he is having a shocking and momentous rookie year with the Bears.

It has been a noticeable pattern that when many prospects from other leagues in the Caps’ system are sent to Hershey to develop their skills, the Bears’ rookies need time to adjust to the new league. The prospects often try to figure out how to transition to a professional league and alter their style of play to fit the new league. Especially players who have played hockey in America throughout their hockey careers end up modifying their play to compete in a professional league. However, the young defender has quickly found his style and immediately adapted to Hershey. His debut with the Bears was on October 12th against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, and he immediately had an impact on the team. He scored his first professional goal the next day in Hershey, which helped his team defeat the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins 5-1. Then, during his fourth game as a Bear, he had a multipoint game where he collected two assists in a 4-2 Bears win over the Laval Rocket. In addition to his productivity with the offense, he instantly fit with what he is known for- the blue line.

The Caps favor Fehervary for his defense, and his defensive abilities are significant for the Bears’ success. Yet, he is also having an impact on the offensive production in Hershey, which is even more impressive as he is depended on for his defense. As previously stated, the most points he has ever scored in a span of a regular-season was seven. As of now, he has played a little more than half the season with the Bears, 43 games, and has already recorded four goals and ten assists for a total of 14 points. He also has a +/- of 11, which ranks first on the team. This is a statistical indication that his defensive skills are active during the games. His effective positioning and being able to read plays is what makes his defense exceptional. This is a result of Fehervary’s quick and intelligent mind, which also goes into forming dynamic plays for the Bears. Also, he has great speed that becomes even more proficient with his puck handling. These abilities are helping develop plays that eventually lead to goals for the team, and these skills are valuable for protecting the goaltender as well. He has a significant spot in the Bear’s roster, and he is working towards completing his first season with an American team. He plays every game with reliability and plenty of effort, which will eventually lead to him achieving his goal of earning a full-time spot in the NHL.

Fehervary displayed all of his abilities during the Caps’ rookie camp, preseason, and international play. This is where he played competitively with more experienced players, which then earned him a spot on the Caps’ opening night roster. He made his NHL debut on October 2nd at the Stanley Cup banner raising in St. Louis. He played with Radko Gudas on the third pairing. The 19-year-old, at that time, played a total of 13:35 minutes with a +/- of 1 and committed one penalty that game, but he showed that he can handle the play and pressure at the NHL level. He then went on to complete another two games in Washington’s starting lineup before being assigned to Hershey. This was in result of Evgeny Kuznetsov’s suspension ending and Michal Kempy returning from injury, so the Caps needed roster spots to open up for them. Caps were making plenty of roster moves due to the salary cap as well. It was also beneficial to assign him to the NHL so the young player could develop a bit more. Depending on circumstances, the defender may have another chance to be called up to the pros. But, as of now, he is proving what he is capable of with the Bears while having a significant part in the team’s recent success. Many other players on the Bears team have plenty of experience, which will also have a positive impact on Fehervary’s development. The twenty-year-old fits perfectly within the system, and his immediate adjustment to the professional leagues in America is a bonus. Caps need defensemen in the future, so he is one player who will definitely earn a permanent spot on the team one day as he becomes an even stronger player with the Bears.

Prospect Profile: Brian Pinho

Prospect Profile: Brian Pinho

Brian Pinho has been apart of the Capitals’ organization for a while, but currently, he is demonstrating how he fits within the system in Hershey. The forward was drafted in the sixth round as the 174th overall pick in the 2013 NHL entry-level draft. The Caps first signed him in 2018; however, he decided to continue playing NCAA hockey and to graduate from Providence College. The 24-year-old was recently re-signed last May to a one-year, two-way contract.

Prior to joining the Bears, Pinho played hockey throughout his four years of college. He averaged 39 games each season, while his season-high was 40 points in the course of his junior year as an alternate captain. During his senior year, he was promoted to captain of the team. He also tallied enough goals to become the second-highest scorer at Providence. His NCAA hockey career consisted of 156 games with 39 goals and 76 assists. Throughout college, the team often depended on Pinho for his defensive skill set as a forward, yet he has been offering that and much more offensively to the Bears’ team.

Pinho played his first professional season with the Bears in 2018-2019. He was in the lineup for 73 regular-season games while recording four goals and eight assists. The rookie also played eight games in the postseason and scored one goal along with a single assist. His most notable goal last season was the overtime goal in game five of the first round of the Calder Cup Playoffs against the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, which sent the Bears to the Atlantic Division Final (second round). However, during the season, it was noticeable that he was trying to find his style of play at a professional level and adjust to the transition from college. In other words, he struggled offensively and defensively at the beginning of his rookie season, although he continued to play with determination and focused on developing his game. As a result of his effort, there was some improvement in his play by the closing months of last season, but he and the team aimed for a stronger second season with Hershey.

After having a season to become comfortable in the AHL, Pinho sought to advance his abilities and build some leadership qualities this season. It is crucial that he plays well this season to continue his path into the NHL, especially with his chance in the Capitals organization since his contract is only signed for a year. His play has displayed a substantial difference from last season, and he is currently holding a vital role in the Bear’s offense. He has played in 40 games this season and recorded nine goals and 12 assists. Two of the goals were game-winning goals for the Bears, and one was scored shorthanded. He ranks third in points on the team with 21.

Pinho is utilized as a center or right-wing depending on circumstances, but either way, he has an impact on his line. His skill with the puck and passing benefits the other players on the ice with him, which then leads to goals for the team. He also demonstrates an intelligence about the game and rink that contributes greatly to his offensive and defensive skills. It should be noted that he is currently at a +5 because last season, he often had a difficult time staying out of the negatives. This indicates his defense, which made him stand out in college, is progressing in addition to his offensive production.

Pinho’s growth as a hockey player has been noticed throughout the many years he attended the Caps’ development camp, and he especially captured attention in the most recent Caps’ rookie showcase. He was a top six-forward and was placed on a line with other talented prospects: Connor McMichael and Shane Gersich. They all had a dominant performance, which is an excellent sign as it is a possible future line for the Caps.

The young forward needs to prove his worth this season with the Bears so that the Capitals keep him in their future plans. As of now, he is exhibiting many skills that are pleasing the coaching staff and increases his chance to earn a spot in the NHL. It is crucial that he continues with the way that he is playing due to the one year contract that will be up soon. The Caps need depth with the bottom six forwards, and he has proven to be the perfect candidate for one of the spots in the future.

South Carolina Stingrays Defeat Manchester Monarchs To Tie Series


Domenic Monardo, seen here during a game in 2016, had an assist in South Carolina’s 2-1 victory Friday night.

The South Carolina Stingrays tied their series with Manchester Friday night as they picked up a 2-1 win behind goals from Andrew Cherniwchan and Rob Flick, along with Parker Milner making 33 saves on 34 shots. The win puts South Carolina, the only remaining team in affiliation with the Washington Capitals playing playoff hockey, two wins away from heading back to the Kelly Cup Finals.

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Zach Sanford Scores First AHL Goal

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Zach Sanford spent 19 games in the NHL with the Capitals to start the season but was still missing that first professional goal. He finally got it Sunday night with the Hershey Bears. On a feed from behind the goal line, Nathan Walker sent the puck to the tape of Sanford’s stick, who was able to put the puck past Kristers Gudlevskis of the Syracuse Crunch, giving him that first pro goal.

“It was a good feeling,” Sanford said after the game. “Walker had been working hard all night. One finally popped out to me and I was finally able to put it in the back of the net.”

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Jakub Vrana Recalled by Washington Capitals

Jakub Vrana Washington Capitals Hockey Hershey Bears

Forward Jakub Vrana has been recalled by the Washington Capitals – his first NHL call-up.

In 18 games for Hershey this season, Vrana has 16 points with nine goals. Vrana, 20, is in his third season with the Bears, playing 57 games for the Chocolate and White, including 31 playoff games.

Vrana was drafted by the Capitals in the first round in 2014, 13th overall. The Czech Republic native came to Hershey in 2015, scoring his first pro goal on May 2, 2015.

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Hershey Bears and Washington Capitals Extend Affiliation Through 2019-20

2016 washington capitals d camp-20

The Hershey Bears and Washington Capitals have announced an affiliation extension through the 2019-20 season.

“I think it’s good considering the coaching staff is under contract for a couple more years,” Bears head coach Troy Mann said. “I think it has been a great fit for both organizations. A lot of winning has been done here since 2005-06. It’s important to the community, important to the fan base to know that the NHL team is going to be here long term. I think once Bryan [Helmer] became the VP, one of the things he talked about was doing a longer extension.”

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