Photo: Hartford Wolf Pack
Washington Capitals forward prospect Hendrix Lapierre is just nine games into his American Hockey League (AHL) career and is already second on the team in points, adding two more primary assists to his ledger on Sunday night. However, there is still plenty of learning to do for the Capitals first round selection in the 2020 draft.
Bears head coach Todd Nelson was asked about Lapierre’s performance through the first nine games of the season in his postgame presser following the Bears 4-3 win over the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on Sunday night.
“Offensively, I don’t have to worry about that. It’s his play away from the puck that we’re working on things with him,” said Nelson following Sunday night’s game.
“He’s a young guy. He has to learn the pro game. It’s different from junior. He’s a very good student. He always wants to learn. He’s only going to get better and better as long as he works at it,” said Nelson.
Offensively, Lapierre has a goal and 5 assists in nine games played. But for Nelson, it’s important to get Lapierre playing a strong two-way game.
“He’s a talented player. We want to make sure we get him playing on both sides of the puck. Defensively, and also try help him offensively in certain situations. He’s a young guy. He just has to go through the American Hockey League, like a lot of players do, and just learn the pro game.”
Lapierre and the Bears are back in action on Friday night when they face the Bridgeport Islanders at Giant Center. Puck drop is set for 7PM.
By Jon Sorensen
Yes, please work on that defense. We don’t want another Daniel Sprong situation
Sprong this year 7 games 2 goals 5 assists and plus 5. We wouldn’t want that.
Still doesn’t play defense. Will be end of his career
I think his puck battling needs a little work, along the boards.
He’s shown a willingness to go to the dirty areas along the boards and in his own zone. He’s still learning that part of the game, but I think he’s showing more than CMM did.