Capitals' Miroshnichenko Having Fun In Hershey, Making Most Of First Calder Cup Run As He Catches Fire: 'I So Happy'

The Capitals prospect is tied for the team lead with five goals so far in the Calder Cup Playoffs.

Washington Capitals prospect Ivan Miroshnichenko got a taste of the Stanley Cup Playoffs before he headed down to Hershey to help the Bears defend the Calder Cup, and he's making the most of his first postseason in North America.

Capitals' Miroshnichenko Having Fun In Hershey, Making Most Of First Calder Cup Run As He Catches Fire: 'I So Happy' - The Hockey News Washington Capitals News, Analysis and More

The 20-year-old has caught fire with the Bears, picking up a team-leading five goals in his last three outings and dazzling with highlight-reel moves.

When it comes to his goals, including the Sportscenter-worthy tally that saw him deke out a defenseman and score in tight on Saturday, Miroshnichenko stayed modest as he took to the podium in Hershey for one of his first press conferences in English.

"I just play," Miroshnichenko said in his postgame presser, via Chocolate Hockey's Andrew Kalista. "I tried pass, but I see no my teammate. And I move and score."

Head coach Todd Nelson also praised Miroshnichenko for his performance and reliability, especially when he was unselfish and helping to defend the lead rather than go for his hat trick late in the game with the goalie pulled at the other end.

"Shows maturity," Nelson said. "I'm proud of him."

Miroshnichenko recently finished out a promising first regular season in North America, where he had 25 points in 47 AHL games and also put up two goals and four assists in 21 NHL games up with Washington, where he spent a majority of the time in the second half of the year.

Watching his play so far in Hershey's title defense, Miroshnichenko appears more confident and poised with the puck. He's displaying good footwork and speed, and his hockey IQ and wicked shot make him a major threat on offense.

With all of the pieces of his game coming together, Miroshnichenko said he's having a good time as he also sets himself up for a full-time NHL role sooner rather than later.

"I so happy," Miroshnicheko said simply. "We go Cup. And win, win, win, win."

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Capitals' Miroshnichenko Having Fun In Hershey, Making Most Of First Calder Cup Run As He Catches Fire: 'I So Happy'

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