Thunderbirds Down Bears, 3-2 In Overtime

Posted on November 5, 2021 by Jon Sorensen
Screen cap: AHL TV

The Hershey Bears fell to the Springfield Thunderbirds, 3-2 (OT) Friday night at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, Mass. The overtime loss drops the Bears record to 4-1-2-1 (11 points) on the season.

SUMMARY

The Bears would strike first with a goal from Kody Clark less than three minutes into the contest, but the Thunderbirds would answer less than three minutes later for a 1-1 tie at the first intermission.

The Thunderbirds would take their first lead of the game late in the middle frame for a 2-1 lead at the second intermission. The Bears would tie the game with a late goal from Cody Franson in the third period, sending the game to overtime.

The Thunderbirds would win it in overtime with a goal from Potomac, Maryland’s Sam Anas 3:40 into the final frame.

STARTERS

Zach Fucale (2-0-1-0, 0.96 GAA, .963 sv%) got the start between the pipes for the visiting Bears. Charlie Lindgren (2-0-1-0, 3.17 GAA, .901 sv%) got the start in goal for the Thunderbirds. The starting forward lines and defensive pairs for the Bears:

Scratches: Mason Morelli and Kale Kessy

Re-called: Aliaksei Protas was recalled by the Capitals on Friday, November 5.

FIRST PERIOD

The Bears would strike first with a goal from Kody Clark (2) at 2:33 of the opening stanza. Lucas Johansen (1) and Riley Sutter (1) had the helpers.

But the T-Birds would quickly answer with a tally from Nathan Todd (5) at 4:55 of the first period. Matthew Pecca (3) and Scott Perunavich (9) has the assists.

Hershey Bears netminder Zach Fucale made an excellent save just past the midway mark of the first period to keep the game tied 1-1.

The first period would end with the game tied 1-1. The Bears led in shots 12-7. Hershey was 0 for 1 and Springfield 0 for 2 on the power play in the first period.

SECOND PERIOD

The Thunderbirds would grab their first lead of the night late in the second period with a power play goal from Nolan Stevens (1) at 15:36. Nathan Todd (3) and Scott Perunovich (10) had the helpers.

The second period would expire with the T-Birds leading 2-1. The Bears led in shots 11-6 in the second period and 23-13 after 40 minutes of play. Hershey was 0 for 3 and Springfield 1 for 3 on the power play after two periods.

THIRD PERIOD

The Bears would tie the game with less than four minutes remaining. Cody Franson would dial long distance and tie the game 2-2.

Riley Sutter was whistled for a late boarding penalty, but the Thunderbirds were unable to convert on the man advantage. Regulation would end with the game tied 2-2.

OVERTIME

Potomac, Maryland’s Sam Anas would go coast-to-coast for the game-winner for Springfield.

The Bears are back in action on Saturday when they return home to host the Providence Bruins. Puck drop is set for just after 7:00 PM.

SHAVINGS

  • AHL box score
  • Attendance: 5,077
  • The Bears led in shots 34-22 for the game.
  • Shane Gersich led all Bears in shots with 4.
  • Fucale stopped 19 of 22 for a .863 game save percentage.
  • Hershey was 0 for 3 and Springfield 1 for 4 on the power play.
  • This was Zach Fucale’s 200th career professional game.
  • Kale Kessy did not return for the third period.
  • Brian Pinho was injured in the second period and did not return.

By Jon Sorensen

SCENES FROM MASSACHUSETTS

About Jon Sorensen

Jon has been a Caps fan since day one, attending his first game at the Capital Centre in 1974. His interest in the Caps has grown over the decades and included time as a season ticket holder. He has been a journalist covering the team for 10+ years, primarily focusing on analysis, analytics and prospect development.
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2 Responses to Thunderbirds Down Bears, 3-2 In Overtime

  1. Anonymous says:
    November 6, 2021 at 8:28 am

    Can we get an update on AA and MK?

    Reply

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