Lehigh Valley Phantoms
The recent announcement that the Ontario Hockey League would not play this season gave the Washington Capitals confirmation on the playing future of top prospect Connor McMichael for the 2020-21 season. With no OHL season, the 2019 first-round pick will remain with the American Hockey League’s Hershey Bears, with whom he has been productive this season. On Wednesday against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, the 20-year old forward continued his impressive showing, scoring two goals and recording an assist.
McMichael entered the contest with eight goals, five assists, and 13 points in 22 Games Played this season with the Bears, impressing in his first taste of professional hockey after making his National Hockey League debut with the Caps early in the season.
McMichael’s first goal came at the 11:47 mark of the first period on the power play, on assists from defenseman Cameron Schilling and forward Philippe Maillet, giving the Chocolate and White a 2-0 cushion over their division and in-state rivals. It marked his third tally on the man-advantage this season.
Connor McMichael with his 9th goal of the season, a power play snipe, his third PPG of the season. Bears lead 2-0. #CapsProspect #ALLCAPS #HBH pic.twitter.com/O1Mf4oyQLG
— NoVa Caps (@NoVa_Caps) April 21, 2021
McMichael’s second goal came with just under seven minutes played in the second frame, another power play marker that was assisted by Schilling and Bears captain Matt Moulson. The goal was his team-leading 10th marker of the season and fourth power play goal; the marker tied him for first on Hershey’s roster with Moulson.
Big Mac with his second goal of the night, another PPG. Nice far side shot by McMichael for his 10th of the season. Bears lead 3-0. #CapsProspect #ALLCAPS #HBH pic.twitter.com/C600r7GNXk
— NoVa Caps (@NoVa_Caps) April 22, 2021
Early in the third frame, McMichael recorded an assist on a goal by Maillet, earning the primary helper along with Schilling.
McMichael also showed his defensive skills late in the second, breaking up a 2-on-1 breakaway opportunity for the Phantoms:
Nice backcheck by Connor McMichael, denies 2-on-1 breakaway. Little known fact, he has a pretty good 200′ game. #ALLCAPS #CapsProspect #HBH pic.twitter.com/E42YlTgoyY
— NoVa Caps (@NoVa_Caps) April 22, 2021
McMichael now has 10 goals and six assists in 23 games played, tying him with Garrett Pilon for the team lead in points.
By Michael Fleetwood
McMichael’s net front game is ready for the NHL. He simply has great reaction time in reacting to the puck, better than most. He also has a knack for being around the loose pucks. As Carbery said, the puck seems to always find him.
so glad to have found this site…yeah, i know….
curious on your thoughts on when do you think is best to bring McMichael up? I understand there is no room, but if there was room…do you think just this year in Hershey is enough or do you feel 2 years at Hershey is best?
Clearly the Caps are an old team but I am excited about McMichael, Prostas, the 2 lefty dmen and even the 1st round pick from this last draft. Seems like all have fairly high ceilings and all probably within 1to 3 years of being NHL ready
Greetings “horn”, happy you found our site as well. Welcome. As per McMixhael, he will likely be called up to taxi squad or as a black ace as soon at the Bears season ends in a few weeks. Caps coaches will get a good look at him and he will continue his development with the pros. He will likely be a late decision,in training camp in December. I think he will start next season in Hershey but will get games with the Caps as they slowly work him into the lineup.
Sorry, horn is part of last name. Dan is first name. Thx for your insight. Will be interesting to see how they bring these players along.
Sorry Dan, I know now. Nice to “meet” you. 👊