Hershey Bears Coach Todd Nelson Has Strong Words For Team Despite Game 2 Win, Demands Better Performance Going Forward

The Washington Capitals' AHL affiliate Hershey Bears were able to pull the Calder Cup Finals even on Sunday with a big 5-2 win over the Coachella Valley Firebirds, but head coach Todd Nelson doesn't believe that his team's victory is reflective of a good performance.

Despite looking good on the scoresheet, Nelson said that his team barely escaped with a victory.

"Let's all be honest here, I think we got away with one tonight. Let's call a spade a shovel here. If (Hunter Shepard) doesn't play well, we don't win that game," Nelson told reporters postgame.

Capitals prospects Ivan Miroshnichenko, Pierrick Dubé and Hardy Häman Aktell, along with Jimmy Huntington, scored for the Bears, while Hunter Shepard rebounded with 32 saves on 34 shots (.941 save percentage).

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Though Hershey was able to find twine, the team struggled to generate shots on goal and also got outworked and pressured in their zone, leaving Shepard to put up some heroics to keep his team in it.

"We were opportunistic with our chances. They elevated their game, and we got worse, maybe because they elevated it. They're a fast hockey team and that second period, that's two games in a row now where we're getting hemmed into our zone because we're not able to make plays. Give them credit," Nelson added.

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With the next three games in Coachella Valley, Nelson hopes to see his team come together and put up a stronger effort if it wants to repeat.

"I'm happy with the win, but we have to be a lot better if we want to extend this series," he said bluntly.