The Hershey Bears began their defense of their Calder Cup championship by dominating the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Next, they face off against the Hartford Wolf Pack in the Atlantic Division Finals for the second season in a row.

The Bears are looking to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals after sweeping Hartford last season. The two teams have a history in the Calder Cup playoffs, with each organization emerging victorious in a series. Hershey is led by players like Hunter Shepard and Ethen Frank, while Hartford boasts players like Riley Nash and Mac Hollowell.