Hershey Bears 2014-2015 Schedule

HERSHEY BEARS 2014-2015 REGULAR-SEASON SCHEDULE:

Saturday, October 11, 2014 7:15 PM at Norfolk
Monday, October 13, 2014 6:05 PM at Norfolk
Saturday, October 18, 2014 7:00 PM at Springfield
Sunday, October 19, 2014 3:00 PM at Hartford
Friday, October 24, 2014 7:05 PM at Lehigh Valley
Saturday, October 25, 2014 7:00 PM W-B/SCRANTON
Sunday, October 26, 2014 5:00 PM LEHIGH VALLEY
Friday, October 31, 2014 7:00 PM at Manchester

Saturday, November 1, 2014 7:00 PM at Worcester
Sunday, November 2, 2014 3:00 PM at Manchester
Friday, November 7, 2014 7:05 PM at W-B/Scranton
Saturday, November 8, 2014 7:00 PM HARTFORD
Sunday, November 9, 2014 5:00 PM HARTFORD
Friday, November 14, 2014 7:00 PM at Syracuse
Sunday, November 16, 2014 5:00 PM W-B/SCRANTON
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 7:05 PM at Lehigh Valley
Saturday, November 22, 2014 7:00 PM WORCESTER
Sunday, November 23, 2014 5:00 PM ST. JOHN’S
Wednesday, November 26, 2014 7:00 PM W-B/SCRANTON
Saturday, November 29, 2014 7:00 PM SYRACUSE
Sunday, November 30, 2014 5:00 PM ST. JOHN’S

Friday, December 5, 2014 7:00 PM BRIDGEPORT
Saturday, December 6, 2014 7:05 PM at W-B/Scranton
Sunday, December 7, 2014 5:00 PM W-B/SCRANTON
Friday, December 12, 2014 7:00 PM at Syracuse
Saturday, December 13, 2014 7:00 PM BINGHAMTON
Sunday, December 14, 2014 4:05 PM at W-B/Scranton
Friday, December 19, 2014 7:05 PM at Lehigh Valley
Saturday, December 20, 2014 7:00 PM SPRINGFIELD
Friday, December 26, 2014 7:00 PM LEHIGH VALLEY
Saturday, December 27, 2014 7:00 PM BINGHAMTON
Tuesday, December 30, 2014 7:00 PM NORFOLK
Wednesday, December 31, 2014 3:05 PM at W-B/Scranton

Saturday, January 3, 2015 7:00 PM W-B/SCRANTON
Friday, January 9, 2015 7:00 PM at Albany
Saturday, January 10, 2015 7:00 PM NORFOLK
Sunday, January 11, 2015 5:00 PM NORFOLK
Saturday, January 17, 2015 7:00 PM ALBANY
Sunday, January 18, 2015 5:00 PM LEHIGH VALLEY
Wednesday, January 21, 2015 7:05 PM at Lehigh Valley
Saturday, January 24, 2015 7:00 PM BINGHAMTON
Friday, January 30, 2015 7:05 PM at Lehigh Valley
Saturday, January 31, 2015 7:00 PM SYRACUSE

Sunday, February 1, 2015 2:00 PM NORFOLK
Friday, February 6, 2015 7:05 PM at Binghamton
Saturday, February 7, 2015 7:00 PM W-B/SCRANTON
Sunday, February 8, 2015 5:00 PM LEHIGH VALLEY
Friday, February 13, 2015 7:00 PM at Albany
Saturday, February 14, 2015 7:00 PM PORTLAND
Sunday, February 15, 2015 3:00 PM at Bridgeport
Friday, February 20, 2015 7:05 PM at Binghamton
Saturday, February 21, 2015 7:00 PM BRIDGEPORT
Sunday, February 22, 2015 5:00 PM PROVIDENCE
Friday, February 27, 2015 7:05 PM at Binghamton
Saturday, February 28, 2015 7:00 PM ALBANY

Sunday, March 1, 2015 5:00 PM LEHIGH VALLEY
Friday, March 6, 2015 7:05 PM at Providence
Saturday, March 7, 2015 7:00 PM at Hartford
Sunday, March 8, 2015 5:00 PM PORTLAND
Wednesday, March 11, 2015 7:05 PM at W-B/Scranton
Friday, March 13, 2015 7:05 PM at Binghamton
Saturday, March 14, 2015 7:05 PM at W-B/Scranton
Wednesday, March 18, 2015 7:00 PM at Worcester
Friday, March 20, 2015 7:00 PM at Portland
Saturday, March 21, 2015 7:00 PM at Portland
Friday, March 27, 2015 7:00 PM MANCHESTER
Saturday, March 28, 2015 7:00 PM MANCHESTER
Sunday, March 29, 2015 3:00 PM at Bridgeport

Wednesday, April 1, 2015 7:00 PM WORCESTER
Friday, April 3, 2015 7:30 PM at Norfolk
Saturday, April 4, 2015 7:15 PM at Norfolk
Friday, April 10, 2015 6:00 PM at St. John’s
Saturday, April 11, 2015 6:00 PM at St. John’s
Tuesday, April 14, 2015 7:05 PM at Lehigh Valley
Friday, April 17, 2015 7:00 PM BINGHAMTON
Saturday, April 18, 2015 7:00 PM LEHIGH VALLEY

Caps Top 10 Prospects: #2 Andre Burakovsky

 The Caps took Andre Burakovsky with the #23 pick of the 2013 draft. Though he was considering another season overseas, Burakovsky would instead play for the Erie Otters of the OHL. Along side 2015 draft top prospect Conner McDavid, Burakovsky would have a break out season. In 57 games, Burakovsky would score 41 goals and 46 assists. The 19 year old is turning heads and very well may find himself on the Caps roster this fall.

My Thought:

  Andre Burakovsky has all the skills to be a great scorer in the NHL. At 19 though, where will he play this season? After rookie camp in July Barry Trotz is very high on Burakovsky's skills. I think he has a chance to make the opening day roster if he has a strong training camp and preseason. However, may not be the worst thing in the world to let him start in Hershey to get a taste of pro hockey before he makes the jump to the NHL. I do believe he is eligible to go back to Erie as well. I saw him the last two years at rookie camp, and in my opinion I thought he was the best player on the ice this summer. The one scrimmage I went to he had a five point game, against other younger players as well. So, it will be interesting to see how he does against the grown men of the NHL during the preseason.




                                                    Andre Burakovsky Erie Highlights:

Andre Burakovsky Goal during Rookie Camp:

Caps Top 10 Prospects: #3 Jakub Vrana

 With the #13 pick in the first round of the NHL Draft the Washington Capitals select sniper Jakub Vrana. After I heard the Caps draft Vrana I was not too trilled. Then I saw him during one of the rookie scrimmages and I changed my mind quick. Yes, he is small but he has a great scoring touch. The knock on him was that he was not much of a two-way player. However, when I saw him play he caused turnovers in the neutral zone and would lead odd man rushes on the other end. I came away quite impressed with his total package.

My Thought:

 After what I saw I believe it will still take Vrana time to make the jump into the NHL. In fact it will probably take 3 to 4 years but at this point I believe the Caps can wait for his development. I see Vrana being a second line sniper capable of 30 goal seasons, maybe even more. It will be interesting to see how he looks next summer in rookie camp.




Vrana Shootout Goal during Development Camp:

 #15 Vrana World Junior Highlights: 

Caps Top 10 Prospects: #4 Philipp Grubauer

  Philipp Grubauer was drafted in the 4th round of the 2010 draft. It has taken him a few years to become pro. However, last year was a mini-breakout year for the German goaltender. In 17 games he impressed with a 2.38 goals against and a .925 save percentage, which may have been high because of the defensive problems the Caps had last year. Grubauer would also appear in 28 games with the Hershey Bears where he had a 2.60 goals against and a .916 save percentage.

My thought:

  I believe Philipp Grubauer is developing better than expected. The Caps have had a recent history of drafting NHL caliber goalies. I believe this season will be interesting because the Caps signed Justin Peters who is more than capable to be the backup to Braden Holtby. However, I wouldn't count Grubauer out as a potential backup this season. Personally I would like him to play one full season as Hershey's everyday starter but we will see where he is after a couple months. Overall I am excited to watch Grubauer develop into a solid NHL goalie.




Grubauer save against Lightning:

Save against the Panthers:

Caps Top 10 Prospects: #5 Nate Schmidt

  Nate Schmidt had an up and down year last year, he began the season with the Hershey Bears. Schmidt would appear in 29 games with the Caps scoring 2 goals and 4 assists while being a plus-4. He would play 38 games with the Bears scoring 2 goals and 11 assists with a plus/minus of -5. Schmidt was a restricted free agent after the season but resigned with the Caps.

My Thought:

   Nate Schmidt may already be a pro, but since he is not an everyday player for the Caps I still consider him a prospect. Schmidt is a fluent skater and a pretty good puck mover. This year I believe he can compete for a spot on the Caps roster but at the end of the day I believe Schmidt will be a top 4 defenseman for the Hershey Bears. He would be a solid call up if there are injuries. This will be a big year for him because if he can have a break out year then he will give himself a better chance of making the NHL soon.





Nate Schmidt First NHL Goal (2:08):

First AHL Goal: 

Caps Top 10 Prospects: #6 Madison Bowey

 Last season was a break out year for D Madison Bowey. He was named captain of the Kelowna Rockets, and had an astounding 60 points from the blue line. The 2013 2nd round pick has been a stand out for the Rockets for 4 years. Not only has he put up big point totals but last year he was a plus-44 in the 72 games he played in last year.

  This season Bowey should return for one more season with the Rockets, and he should also be on Team Canada in the World Junior Tournament. I expect him to score about 20 goals and 40 assists this year to match his total from a year ago.

Final Thought:

  I have been impressed with Madison Bowey the last two years when I have seen him at Development Camp. I think in a few years he can be a Top 4 defensemen. If I were the GM of the Caps I would let him play in Hershey for a year or two like John Carlson and Karl Alzner. Then bring him up when he is ready. The skill set is impressive and he will be a Cap one day in my opinion.



Madison Bowey Mic'd up (Monumental Sports):

Caps Top 10 Prospects: # 7 Connor Carrick

  Last year Connor Carrick shocked many people when he made the Caps roster out of camp. While he showed promise at times he definitely had rookie moments. Carrick played 34 games with the Caps and had a goal and 5 assists. He also played 13 games with the Hershey Bears and played for team USA in the WJC.

 My Thought:

   Conner Carrick is only 20 years old and he has some time to develop. However, there were times last season where he showed promise. I think he needs to get a little stronger in front of the net, but he has a very good skill set on the back end. Finally, this season I think Connor Carrick can fight for a spot on the Caps roster. However, he will have to be a 7th or maybe even the 8th defenseman depending on if there are any trades in the preseason. The worst case scenario he can be on Hershey's top defense pairing. I'm interested in keeping track of him this season.

Rumor: Is a tough guy on his way to D.C?

  Quick rumor for today. I have heard on a couple different websites that Paul Bissonnette maybe on his way to the Caps. Bissonnette was with the Pheonix Coyotes last year (now Arizona Coyotes). 

   If this is true the Caps will add a tough guy to play on the 4th line, which would be nice for their trips to Philly this fall. Stay tuned to see if this rumor comes out to be true. 

What will the Caps Lineup Look Like?

  Training Camp is about a month away and it will be a very exciting time at Kettler. With the additions of Matt Niskanen and Brooks Orpik the Caps sured up what was their biggest weakness a year ago. However if the team stays the way it is right now, what will the lineup be like? I have heard that GMBM is involved in trade talks. However, that doesn't mean anything will happen.

  So, let me give you my projected lineup if the roster stays the same going into opening night.

Forward Lines:

Fehr-Backstrom-Ovechkin

Johansson-Kuznetzov-Brouwer

Chimera-Laich-Ward

Burakovsky-Beagle-Wilson

Extras:

Brown
Volpatti


  My forward lines are difficult to do because from what I am hearing Barry Trotz really likes Andre Burakovsky and I think there is a chance he makes the roster. However, I won't be shocked to see him start on the fourth line and work is way up. Marcus Johansson better play well or his spot maybe in jeopardy. As for my third line, if Brooks Laich is back it will be a very good grind line. Last thing, I feel Eric Fehr can be a great first line wing like Mike Knuble was in 2010.

Defense Pairings and Goalies:


Orpik-Carlson

Alzner-Niskanen

Orlov-Green

G Holtby-Peters

Extras:

Hillen
Erskine


  Now the defense pairings I think will change during the course of the preseason while Barry Trotz finds the right combonations. Now there is a chance Mike Green plays with Brooks Orpik because Green has not had a good partner for the last few seasons. The Caps definitely spent money this offseason and we will see where Mike Green fits or if the rumors of him being dealt are true. I like the addition of Justin Peters to backup up starter Braden Holtby. With a stronger defense corp, Holts can have a bounce back year.


Final Thought:

  We will have a better idea of what the lineup will be like in the preseason. This team has a lot of bodies and a lot of questions going into this season. One thing that is for sure, Barry Trotz has many options with his lineup. It will be fun to watch.

Caps Top 10 Prospects: #8 Riley Barber

  Riley Barber has shown over the last two years at Miami University that he is a true leader. So much so that he was named captain of the 2013 US World Junior Championship team. This past year Barber who will be going into his Jr. season at Miami scored 44 points in 38 games. While some people thought he could become a pro this year, Barber decided to go back to Miami to try to get them back to the NCAA playoffs.

    I have seen Barber at the last couple Development Camps and I believe he has a major up side. While he is a year away from being pro I believe in two years he will jump into a Top 6 role with the Hershey Bears. I think if he makes the Caps roster he can go as high as a second line RW. I do believe for his size he is a strong skater, and has good strength.

Final Thought:

   Next season you will want to watch Miami U. Barber should be a top line player, and should be one of the teams captains. I expect him to put up good numbers and sign his entry-level contract by the end of the season.




Barber #44 Assist (0:44):

Caps Top 10 Prospects: #9 Chandler Stephenson

  Last year was a huge year for Chandler Stephenson. The 2012 3rd round pick had not yet earned a Entry-Level NHL contract and was at a crossroads. Then the Regina Pats center scored 30 goals and 59 assists in 69 games. Proving his worth he signed a Entry-Level contract and played two games for the Hershey Bears, and scoring his first pro goal.

   I have seen Stephenson in a couple of Development Camps and I feel like he is improving. He is a bit small but is a strong two-way player, and proved he can produce. This season I believe he can be a full time AHL player, playing possibly in the top 6 for the Bears.

 Final Thoughts:

     If Stephenson continues to improve he could be anywhere from a top line AHL center to a a ceiling of being a second or third line NHL center. He reminds me of former Cap and Hershey Bear Cody Eakin in skill set. Time will tell if he will make it to the NHL, but he will get his chance with Hershey this fall.


Chandler Stephenson Shootout Goal:

Caps Top 10 Prospects: #10 Travis Boyd

   Maybe this time a year ago not many people thought that Travis Boyd was going to be a Top 10 prospect. However, the Hopkins, MN native had a break out year for the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Boyd would score 9 goals and 23 assists in 41 games, which was a huge improvement from the 14 points in 40 games his Sophomore year.

    I didn't think that Boyd was a Top 10 prospect until I saw him at Development Camp a month ago. The improvement he has made definitely stands out. What is impressive his he put up good numbers for someone who at times was a third line center for U. of Minnesota. I believe he will be best to go back and have a big season for the Gophers this fall.

Final Thought:

 I believe Travis Boyd has the chance to be a NHL player, however I do believe it still might take some time for him to make the Caps roster. He should be able to compete for time with the Hershey Bears in 2015-2016. Eventually I think he can be a 3rd line center for an NHL team.



Travis Boyd Goal (0:42):