Hendrix Lapierre Breaks Out, Scores First Goal Since 2024 Calder Cup Finals
Hershey Bears forward Hendrix Lapierre ended a 39-game scoring drought, netting his first goal of the 2024-25 season in a 5-4 victory over the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on Tuesday.
Lapierre, a Capitals first-round draft pick in 2020, hadn’t scored as the Calder Cup Finals, where he was named the AHL playoff MVP.His tally, a breakaway goal, propelled the Bears to a 2-1 lead in the first period.
“I think it’s good.I mean, my confidence has been good for a while, but obviously scoring that goal, and I think [tonight] was more of a statement win, after going into Wilkes’ building last week and losing 9-0. So I think we really needed those two points and I think it’s a good confidence-booster for the whole team,” Lapierre told the Bears’ official website.
lapierre also contributed an assist on Mike Vecchione’s power-play goal in the second period, marking his first multi-point game in the AHL in a month. Since his demotion to Hershey on December 29, Lapierre has recorded eight points (1g, 7a) in 12 games.Bears head coach Todd Nelson praised Lapierre’s performance, highlighting his speed and skill.“Well he was working, he was skating. And when he’s skating, look at the goal he scored: he blew the doors off the defenseman on the outside cutting to the net. That’s Hendrix Lapierre when he is playing good hockey and he just has tremendous speed and skill, and when he wants to put the gas down, he gets after it,” Nelson said.
Lapierre’s goal comes after being sent down by the Capitals following the trade for veteran center Lars Eller. Capitals coach Spencer Carbery explained that Lapierre needed consistent playing time to develop his game.
“Just with the way the season’s gone and the depth at the center position and with Lappy’s minutes, being in the stands, we felt as an organization it was best for him to get playing in Hershey, in the AHL.Get his game in a good spot, confident again rather than him being here playing limited minutes or, for that matter, right now, being in the stands.”
Lapierre, determined to earn a recall, expressed his commitment to betterment earlier this season.
“I try hard. I care about this. I try to get better every day, and I know that eventually, whenever it’s going to be, I’m going to get called back up. Hopefully, I’ll stay there, and I’ll make it worth it.”
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Hendrix Lapierre Breaks Out, Scores First Goal Since 2024 Calder Cup Finals
Hershey Bears forward Hendrix Lapierre ended a 39-game scoring drought, netting his first goal of the 2024-25 season in a 5-4 victory over the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on Tuesday.
Lapierre, a Capitals first-round draft pick in 2020, hadn’t scored since the Calder cup Finals, where he was named the AHL playoff MVP. His tally, a breakaway goal, propelled the Bears to a 2-1 lead in the first period.
“I think it’s good. I mean, my confidence has been good for a while, but obviously scoring that goal, and I think [tonight] was more of a statement win, after going into Wilkes’ building last week and losing 9-0. So I think we really needed those two points and I think it’s a good confidence-booster for the whole team,” Lapierre told the Bears’ official website.
Lapierre also contributed an assist on Mike Vecchione’s power-play goal in the second period, marking his first multi-point game in the AHL in a month. Since his demotion to Hershey on December 29,Lapierre has recorded eight points (1g,7a) in 12 games. Bears head coach Todd nelson praised lapierre’s performance, highlighting his speed and skill.
“Well he was working, he was skating. And when he’s skating, look at the goal he scored: he blew the doors off the defenseman on the outside cutting to the net. That’s hendrix lapierre when he is playing good hockey and he just has tremendous speed and skill, and when he wants to put the gas down, he gets after it,” Nelson said.
Lapierre’s goal comes after being sent down by the Capitals following the trade for veteran center Lars Eller.Capitals coach Spencer Carbery explained that Lapierre needed consistent playing time to develop his game.
“Just with the way the season’s gone and the depth at the center position and with Lappy’s minutes, being in the stands, we felt as an organization it was best for him to get playing in Hershey, in the AHL. get his game in a good spot, confident again rather than him being here playing limited minutes or, for that matter, right now, being in the stands.”
Lapierre, resolute to earn a recall, expressed his commitment to betterment earlier this season.
“I try hard. I care about this. I try to get better every day, and I know that eventually, whenever it’s going to be, I’m going to get called back up. Hopefully, I’ll stay there, and I’ll make it worth it.”
Hendrix Lapierre: frequently Asked Questions
**Q: How long had Hendrix Lapierre been without a goal before Tuesday’s game?**
A: Lapierre had gone 39 games without a goal, dating back to the Calder Cup Finals.
**Q: What is Hendrix Lapierre’s connection to the Hershey Bears?**
A: Lapierre is a forward for the Hershey bears, the Capitals’ AHL affiliate.
**Q: Why was Lapierre sent down to Hershey?**
A: Lapierre’s playing time was limited with the Capitals,and the team felt he would benefit from consistent playing time and advancement in the AHL.
**Q: How did Lapierre perform in his previous stint with the Capitals?**
A: Lapierre was a standout performer in the 2024 Calder Cup Finals,earning the AHL playoff MVP award.
**Q: What does Lapierre’s goal against wilkes-Barre/Scranton mean for his future?**
A: this goal could be a turning point for Lapierre, boosting his confidence and putting him in a better position to earn a recall to the NHL.
Lapierre’s performance against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton demonstrates his potential and desire to succeed. His journey back to the NHL is one to watch.
