Wednesday morning, the Washington Capitals announced a one-year extension of their affiliation with the American Hockey League’s Hershey Bears, an expected move that will bring the partnership into its 11th straight season.
After each missing the playoffs during their respective 2013-14 seasons, both franchises were rejuvenated under new head coaches. Steered by Barry Trotz, the Capitals netted 101 points and finished second in the Metropolitan Division before getting falling in overtime of Game 7 against the New York Rangers in the second round. The Bears, meanwhile, won the East Division with 100 points under former assistant Troy Mann and also fell in the second round, in six games of the Calder Cup playoffs to Hartford, coincidentally enough the Rangers’ AHL affiliate.