Photo: Springfield Thunderbirds
The Hershey Bears (5-6-0-2) hit the road Wednesday night for a tilt in Springfield, Massachusetts against the Thunderbirds (2-11-1-0). The Bears hadn’t lost a regulation game at Springfield since 2008. Coming off a shootout win on Sunday, Hershey looked to continue winning ways and they did so, with a 3-1 win.
BEARS LINES
FIRST PERIOD
The Bears wasted little time getting on the scoreboard. After the Birds Bobby Farnham went to the sin bin for tripping, Hershey cashed in on the ensuing power play with their first shot of the game. Wayne Simpson sent a slapshot that trickled through the legs of goaltender Harri Sateri and over the line to give the Bears the 1-0 lead. It was Simpson’s third goal of the season. Dustin Gazley and Paul Geiger were credited with the assists.
Bears score first on their first shot of the game on a power play goal by Wayne Simpson pic.twitter.com/jH1Qjdvxra
— Michael Marzzacco (@Marswaggo) November 9, 2017
After 20 minutes of play, Hershey led 1-0 and outshot the Thunderbirds 8-7.
SECOND PERIOD
The stars early in the second period were the goalies. Both Sateri and Pheonix Copley made big saves. Hershey would go to the power play when Josh Brown was whistled for slashing. Bau would get his redemption shortly thereafter with his first career AHL goal. Travis Boyd and Lucas Johansen were credited with the assists.
Mathias Bau nets his first AHL goal on the power play to give the Bears a 2-0 lead over the Thunderbirds in the 2nd. pic.twitter.com/qe6wD3mRir
— Michael Marzzacco (@Marswaggo) November 9, 2017
The shots between the two teams were even at 10 for the period.
THIRD PERIOD
Springfield tried to mount a comeback but couldn’t solve Copley most of the night. Late in the period they pulled their goalie and Chris Bourque would put the visitors up 3-0 on an empty net goal. Springfield would get on the board with a goal by Anthony Greco.
Anthony Greco puts the Thunderbirds on the board pic.twitter.com/oRJJgfuL9r
— Michael Marzzacco (@Marswaggo) November 9, 2017
Hershey outshot Springfield in the third period 6-5 and in total 24-22. Copley stopped 20-of-21 shots for his second win of the season. He improved his record to 2-0-1.
Box score: here.
The Bears return home Saturday night to host the Lehigh Valley Phantoms at Giant Center. Puck drop is at 7:05 p.m.
By Michael Marzzacco
Follow @marswaggo
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