If you’ve been away for the weekend or haven’t been following the Hershey Bears first two postseason games against the Checkers in Charlotte this weekend, you missed a fairly dominant showing by the chocolate and white. The team is headed back to Hershey up 2-0 and looking to clinch the best-of-five Atlantic Division Semifinal series at home on Wednesday.
The Bears middle six forwards have led the way so far, scoring 17 of the 23 points recorded by the Bears forward group this weekend. Hunter Shepard has also been strong, backstopping the Bears in both victories, stopping a total of 41 of 44 shots faced in both games for a .932 weekend save percentage.
The Bears blueline has also been very strong, allowing just three goals in the weekend set. Among the leaders on the blueline has been rookie Vincent Iorio. It’s only been two postseason games, but Iorio leads all defensemen in points (2) and leads all Bears in plus/minus (+4). Simply put, the rookie has been solid.
Hendrix plays Charlotte! Hendrix Lapierre makes it 3-0 early in the middle frame. Fortunate redirect by Checkers d-man. #HBH #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/mPdZvuW2Hl
— Capitals Prospects (@jon_m_sorensen) April 28, 2023
However, having watched every one of Iorio’s games this season, the part of his game that is beginning to standout in recent weeks is his overall presence on the back end and fronting the crease. He’s taking control, and often against seasoned AHL veterans.
Vinny Iorio has showing more and more snarl as the season progresses. #HBH #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/OXfasHvcIZ
— Capitals Prospects (@jon_m_sorensen) April 29, 2023
Iorio’s grit and snarl has also taken a noticeable step forward in recent weeks. He’s taken it to men much older than him and with many more AHL seasons under their belts. He’s really no longer a rookie.
Vincent Iorio not having it. Bears lead 3-0 after 2. #HBH #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/Ui0HmzVhFO
— Capitals Prospects (@jon_m_sorensen) April 1, 2023
Iorio’s development over the season has been steady. He’s taken his lumps, particularly in the early part of the season, but the progress is definitely starting to show on the ice.
Nice drive by Vinny Iorio cuts the Pens lead to one. It’s Iorio’s 2nd goal of the season. #HBH #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/qtEsclZqqa
— Capitals Prospects (@jon_m_sorensen) January 12, 2023
It’s unlikely Iorio will win a full-time spot on the Capitals roster for opening night this fall, but that’s probably asking too much from the 20-year-old. However, considering his rate of development, it’s likely he gets more games with the Capitals next season and will continue to get larger batches of games in Washington until he finally settles in on the Capitals blueline, possibly as soon as the start of the 2024-25 season.
The bottom line, Iorio’s development is on track, and it’s been a fun follow this season.
By Jon Sorensen