Photo by Andrew Lahodynskyj/Toronto Marlies
The Hershey Bears fell to the Toronto Marlies, 3-0 Thursday afternoon at Coca Cola Coliseum in Toronto. The loss drops the Bears record to 29-22-4-3 (65 points) on the season.
Following a scoreless first frame, the Marlies opened the scoring just 11 seconds into the second period, ending Zach Fucale’s goalless streak at 210:13. The Marlies would add a goal with less than two minutes remaining in the middle frame for a 2-0 lead at the second intermission. The Marlies added an empty net goal for the 3-0 final.
STARTERS
The Bears started goaltender Zach Fucale (9-8-4-2, 2.72 GAA, .896 sv%) in net while the Marlies countered with Joseph Woll (5-7-0-0, 3.50 GAA, .902 sv%) in goal. The starting forward lines and defensive pairs for the Bears:
Injuries: Brian Pinho (shoulder surgery), Matt Moulson (back surgery), Riley Sutter (upper-body injury) and Kale Kessy (upper-body injury).
Re-called: Drake Rymsha was recalled from the Fort Wayne Comets on Monday, March 14. Mike Vecchione was recalled by the Capitals earlier this week.
Scratches: Jake Massie and Macoy Erkamps.
SECOND PERIOD
The Marlies opened the scoring early in the middle frame. Joseph Blandisi (8) notched the tally just 11 seconds into the period. Brett Seney (27) had the lone assist. The goal ended Zach Fucale’s scoreless streak at 210:13.
Marlies strike first, early in the second period, lead 1-0. Zach Fucale’s scoreless streak ends at 210:13. #ALLCAPS #HBH pic.twitter.com/woTJMrcoZ8
— Capitals Prospects (@jon_m_sorensen) March 17, 2022
The Bears were the benefactors of a 5-on-3 power play early in the second frame but were unable to convert on the 5-on-3 or the 5-on-4 man-advantage.
NHL veteran Michael Hutchinson replaced Joseph Woll in goal for the Marlies with 8:37 remaining in the second period after Woll was involved in a collision.
The Marlies stretched their lead to 2-0 late in the middle frame. Semyon Der-Arguchintsev (12) would dent the twine at 18:42. Mac Hollowell (14) and Mikhail Abramov (19) had the assists.
OKAY SDA 👀 #MarliesLive pic.twitter.com/XxCeYg7S1b
— Toronto Marlies (@TorontoMarlies) March 17, 2022
The second period concluded with Toronto leading 2-0. Shots were tied 11-11 in the middle frame. Hershey was 0 for 3 and Toronto 1 for 4 on the power play after two periods.
THIRD PERIOD
Lucas Johansen had the Bears best highlight after two-plus periods of play with this 1-on-3 dangl and chance.
Lucas Johansen with an eye-popping near miss. Marlies still lead 2-0 early in final frame. #ALLCAPS #HBH pic.twitter.com/P8hM9oksOc
— Capitals Prospects (@jon_m_sorensen) March 17, 2022
The Marlies would add an empty net goal late to make it 3-0, the final.
The Bears are back in action on Friday when they visit the Senators in Belleville. Puck drop is set for 7:00 PM.
SHAVINGS
- AHL box score
- Bears led in shots 41-28
- Cody Franson led all Bears in shots with 6.
- Hershey was 0 for 5 and Toronto 1 for 4 on the power play.
- Hershey is 0 for 25 on the power play in the last 7 games.
- Zach Fucale stopped 25 of 27 for a .926 game save percentage.
- Steve Richmond and Ross Mahoney were in attendance
SCENES FROM TORONTO
https://www.instagram.com/p/CbNoWczriTn/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
That arena was empty.