Ilya Samsonov Earns First AHL Shutout in Hershey Bears 3-0 Win over Lehigh Valley Phantoms (Photos)

ALLENTOWN, PA. — The Hershey Bears finally broke the winless streak at the PPL Center. Tonight’s 3-0 win marked the first time the Bears have beat the Phantoms at home since April 2017.

Hershey controlled much of the first two periods, outshooting the Phantoms 27-9. Ryan Sproul got the Bears on the board first. He now has two goals and four assists in his last nine games. Riley Barber is continuing his hot streak with four goals and three assists in his last four games, including his two-goal performance tonight.

Ilya Samsonov also stopped all 18 shots that came his way tonight, recording his first AHL shutout! Go get ’em kid!

The Bears and Phantoms face off yet again Sunday at the Giant Center. It will be matchup seven of 12 on the season. So far the Bears have only one two of the games against the Phantoms.

For more on tonight’s matchup, check out our full-game recap and keep scrolling for photos from the game in Allentown.

TUNA

Malenstyn bouncing the puck off of Pinho’s back.

Game time.

Lyon absolutely robbed Barber on this one.

Walker causing trouble in the crease.

The boys celebrate Sproul’s goal.

Pilon’s face.

Barber wanted a penalty shot on this one. I think I have to agree.
Gersich snowed Lyon and Samuelsson wasn’t having it.

Barbs again coming in hot with the wrap around that he would score on.

Can you guys feel sad with me that the ref is in the way of this shot? Please and thank you.

Barber and the boys.

Hey, who’s that breaking in there? Well, wouldn’t you know it. It’s Riley Barber.

Gersich is tripped up.

The boys celebrate Barber’s second goal of the evening.
Time for the third.

I have no idea what’s happening, but there was a lot of yelling.

Oh! I forgot to mention Hobbs is back, too!

Lewey leads the boys off the ice after a big win in Allentown.

Our three stars waiting in the wings.

First AHL shutout vibes.

Some Hershey fans in the stands yelled down and congratulated Samsonov. He responded by clapping for them. Nice job, Ilya.