Washington Capitals 2025 first-round pick Lynden Lakovic is quickly finding his footing during his rookie season pro.
The 19-year-old forward recorded his first career three-point game, scoring a goal and adding two assists in the Hershey Bears’ 3-2 victory over the Rochester Americans. The win at Blue Cross Arena on Wednesday marked Hershey’s first W on the road.
Lakovic factored into all three of Hershey’s goals, helping the Bears improve to 6-2-0-0. The big night also extended his point streak to five games, where he’s recorded seven points (3g, 4a) during that span.
Lakovic opened the game’s scoring 13:54 into the first period, jamming a loose puck past Americans goaltender Matthew Villalta from the side of the net.
Lynden Lakovic goal, 1-0 Hershey
The goal marked Lakovic’s third in eight games this season — tied for sixth-most among all AHL rookies.
The Capitals’ 2025 first-round pick then turned playmaker in the second period, helping Hershey score twice in just 24 seconds.
First, Lakovic set up fellow rookie Petr Sikora with a slick cross-ice pass near the net. The Czech center sent a one-timer past Villata’s shoulder short side to to give Hershey a 2-0 lead 2:32 into the second period.
Lynden Lakovic primary assist on a Petr Sikora goal, 2-0 Hershey
Just 24 seconds later, Lakovic recorded the primary assist on Louie Belpedio’s first goal of the season. The young winger sent a pass back to the point where the Bears’ captain teed up a huge slap shot and scored.
Lynden Lakovic primary assist on a Louie Belpedio goal, 3-0 Hershey
Rochester responded with two goals later in the second period. Aidan McDonough scored at 15:27 before Chase Meyer added another just 1:24 later, cutting Hershey’s lead to 3-2.
But the Bears held on from there, with goaltender Cal Petersen making 20 saves to secure his fourth consecutive victory. Hershey also killed off all five Rochester power plays.
Belpedio’s goal, scored in his 500th professional game, stood as the game-winner, while Lakovic earned first-star honors for his performance.
Lakovic’s latest notable game continues a run of milestones for the young winger.
On October 17, Lakovic scored his first professional goal against the Providence Bruins. One week later, he recorded his first game-winning goal in Hershey’s 5-2 victory over the Belleville Senators.
His early success is especially encouraging after a shoulder injury and subsequent surgery ended his final WHL season prematurely in 2025-26.
When Lakovic spoke to RMNB after his professional debut, he made clear that his expectations wouldn’t change simply because he was playing against older, more experienced competition.
“I expect a lot for myself,” Lakovic said. “I’m still going to expect to score goals at any level.”
Eight games into his professional career, he’s making good on those expectations.
The Bears continue their road trip Friday when they visit the Toronto Marlies at 7 pm.
