In a recent game against the Seattle Kraken, Hendrix Lapierre showcased his skills on the ice, playing a crucial role for the Washington Capitals. Although he did not score, his performance reflected one of the strongest showings in his NHL career.
Capitals vs. Kraken: A Game Overview
Lapierre was positioned as the left wing on the second line, alongside Connor McMichael and Tom Wilson. During the match, he delivered 10 minutes and 47 seconds of reliable play, significantly contributing to the team’s overall performance. The Capitals demonstrated strong statistics with Lapierre on the ice:
- Shot attempts: +15
- Shots on goal: +9
- Scoring chances: +10
- High-danger chances: +5
Impressive Five-on-Five Performance
Lapierre’s five-on-five performance was particularly noteworthy. Here are the key statistics from his gameplay:
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Capitals shot attempts | 20-5 (80%) |
| Capitals scoring chances | 10-0 (100%) |
| Capitals high-danger chances | 5-0 (100%) |
| Expected goals-for percentage | 95.36% |
Despite facing challenges, such as starting 10 of his 13 shifts away from the offensive zone, Lapierre managed to create three individual shot attempts, including a high-danger chance.
Coach’s Comments and Game Dynamics
Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery praised Lapierre’s performance, noting his excellent synergy with his linemates. “He was around the puck more,” Carbery stated. “They found their footing and had a couple of really good shifts that gave them confidence.”
However, as the game progressed into the third period, Lapierre saw limited ice time, receiving only two shifts. This was due to a penalty by Ethen Frank that shifted momentum in favor of the Kraken, forcing Carbery to shorten the bench.
Future Considerations for Lineup
Lapierre’s recent shift to the left wing comes after starting the season as a third-line center. With Justin Sourdif now in that center role, it remains uncertain if Lapierre will continue in his current position for the upcoming game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Nonetheless, his impressive five-on-five statistics might warrant another opportunity for him and his line.
