Hershey on verge of the Calder Cup Final with 3-2 OT Win

In the 3rd OT Game of the AHL Eastern Conference Finals, the game took a while to get going as the Bears and Monarchs played Game 5 from the Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester, New Hampshire as the teams were scoreless through 2 periods. Both goalies Neuvirth and Bernier each were busy as they stopped 16 & 18 saves through 2 periods.

From then on, the teams swapped goals as the 3rd period fireworks got going with 9 minutes left as Kyle Wilson and Chris Bourque in between Manchester's 2nd goal by Jacob Muzzin as the Monarchs scored both goals on the power play.

With the Bears having to comeback, it took it's first and only lead of the night Francois Bouchard midway through the 1st OT to win the game and take a 3-2 series lead for the Bears as Game 6 will return to Hershey on Saturday Night with a chance to end the Monarchs season and have a shot at the Calder Cup for the 2nd straight year.

One big thing that helped Hershey in the OT was the ability to tilt the ice in favor of them as they were able to out-shot the Monarchs 9-2 in the extra frame.


From the American Hockey League Website: http://theahl.com

From Manchester, New Hampshire: Hershey forward Chris Bourque tied the game at 19:09 of the third period, and Francois Bouchard scored 10:38 into OT to give Hershey a dramatic 3-2 road win over Manchester in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Thursday Night at the Verizon Wireless Arena.

The Bears took a 3-2 series lead in the best-of-7 series and can clinch their second straight trip to the Calder Cup Finals - and fourth in the last 5 years - with a win at home in Game 6 on Saturday Night.

The teams played scoreless hockey for 2 periods and into the early stages of the 3rd period before Monarchs forward Bud Holloway broke the deadlock on the power-play at the four minute mark, his seventh goal of the postseason.

Bears Center Kyle Wilson answered at 11:41 when he converted a backdoor feed from Boyd Kane to be Manchester Monarchs goalie Jonathan Bernier and tie the contest at 1-1.

It marked Hershey's first goal in span of 130:29 since Mathieu Perreult scored early in the third period of the club's overtime loss in Game 3. The Bears, who have never been shutout in back-to-back playoff games, suffered a 1-0 defeat in Game 4 on Tuesday.

The Monarchs moved ahead once again courtesy of another power play goal, as rookie defensemen Jacob Muzzin scored from the right circle of 17:26 for his first professional marker. Thomas Hickey earned his second assist of the night on the play, while Holloway picked up the other helper.

But with goaltender Michal Neuvirth pulled in favor of an extra attacker, Hershey found a way to tie it. Coming off a timeout, Bourque sent a shot from the right boards through some bodies and past Bernier with less then 51 seconds to play in regulation, while Alexander Giroux and Keith Aucoin.

Both teams had golden opportunities to end it in overtime, but Bochard finally crashed in for the Bears at 10:38 when he collected a rebound in the slot and fired it home before a sprawled-out Bernier was unable to recover from an initial shot by Perreault.

Hershey improved to 6-1 in overtime this postseason and handed Manchester just its second loss at home. Neuvirth finished 27 of 29 shots in the winning effort, while Bernier took the loss after making 32 shots for the Monarchs.


Hershey Bears lead the Series 3-2

Game Boxscore


Hershey Bears 3 Manchester Monarchs 2 (OT) (0-0, 0-0, 2-2, 1-0)

0-1 MAN: Bud Holloway (PP) (Hickey, King) 4:00 3rd

1-1 HER: Kyle Wilson (Kane, Pinizzotto) 11:41 3rd

1-2 MAN: Jacob Muzzin (PP) (Hickey, Holloway) 17:26 3rd

2-2 HER: Chris Bourque (Giroux, Aucoin) 19:09 3rd

3-2 HER: Francois Bouchard (Perreault, Bouqure) 10:38 OT


Game Stats

SOG: HER 35 MAN 29

PP: HER 0/2 MAN 2/3

PIM: HER 8 Minutes on 4 Penalties MAN 6 Minutes on 3 Penalties

Goalies: HER Michal Neuvirth 27 SVS on 29 Shots MAN Jonathan Bernier 32 SVS on 35 Shots

ATT: 2803

3rd Star: Jacob Muzzin (MAN)

2nd Star: Chris Bourque (HER)

1st Star: Francois Bouchard (HER)


Series Schedule

Game 1: Manchester Monarchs 2 Hershey Bears 4 (0-2, 0-1, 2-1)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007304

Game 2: Manchester Monarchs 2 Hershey Bears 3 (OT) (1-1, 1-0, 0-1, 0-1)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007305

Game 3: Hershey Bears 2 Manchester Monarchs 3 (OT) (1-0, 0-0, 1-2, 0-1)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007306

Game 4: Hershey Bears 0 Manchester Monarchs 1 (0-0, 0-1, 0-0)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007307

Game 5: Hershey Bears 3 Manchester Monarchs 2 (OT) (0-0, 0-0, 2-2, 1-0)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007308

Game 6, 5/22: Manchester Monarchs VS. Hershey Bears 7:00 PM EDT

Game 7, 5/23: Manchester Monarchs VS. Hershey Bears 5:00 PM EDT

Jonathan Bernier edges Neuvirth in Goaltenders Duel

Game 4 in Manchester, New Hampshire saw a goaltenders duel as Jonathan Bernier and Michal Neuvirth made 43 of 44 saves combined as Bernier was just a little bit better as Dwight Kings scored the game's only goal midway through the game to get this series tied at 2-2 after losing the first 2 games in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Game 5 on Saturday will be huge as Manchester will look to sweep the 3 home games and have a shot of knocking out the defending Calder Cup Champion Hershey Bears. After Game 5 on Thrusday, the series will return to Hershey on Saturday for game 6, then if needed a Game 7 would be on Sunday Night to determine the AHL Eastern Conference Champions and who will play for the AHL Calder Cup Championship either against Hamilton or Texas.

Game 3 of the Texas Stars VS. Hamilton Bulldogs will be tonight from the Cedar Park Center in Austin where Texas needs to get a win to at-least realistically keep their hopes alive of winning the series and advancing to the Calder Cup Championship in their teams first year.


From the American Hockey League Website: http://theahl.com

In Manchester, New Hampshire: Baz Bastien Award Winner Jonathan Bernier made 18 saves for the AHL Leading third shutout of the post-season as Manchester evened up the Eastern Conference Final by eaking out a 1-0 win over Hershey in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Final on Tuesday at the Verizon Wireless Arena.

The Monarchs, who dropped the first 2 contests on the road, have recovered with a pair of home-ice victories to tie up this best-of-7 at two games apiece heading into Game 5 in Manchester on Thursday Night.

The series is now guaranteed in return to Giant Center in Hershey for Game 6 on Saturday. If needed, Game 7 would be on Sunday Night in Hershey as well.

Rookie Dwight King notched the only goal of this one for the Monarchs at 9:11 of the 2nd period, with Bud Halloway and Andrei Loktionov picked up assists.

Holloway, Manchesters leading postseason score with 12 points (6G 6A) in 14 games had been scoreless through the first three games of this series before earning his helper in Game 4. Loktionov, meanwhile, now shows a point in four of his last five games (1G 3A).

The Bears, who averaged league-high total of 4.08 Goals per game and 34.17 Shots per game entering Tuesday, managed just 5 shots in the first period, six in the 2nd period, and seven in the 3rd period.

Hershey suffered its first shutout since a 5-0 loss at W-B/Scranton on 2/13, and not including shutouts, the Bears have now lossed consecutive games for the first time since falling to W-B/Scranton and Binghamton on 10/23-24.

Hershey goaltender Michal Neuvirth stopped 25 of 26 shots in the losing effort on Tuesday.

Manchester secured its 1-0 victory of the postseason, following a win over Worcester by that score in Game 5 of the Division Finals on May 5.


Series Tied 2-2

Game Boxscore

Hershey Bears 0 Manchester Monarchs 1 (0-0, 0-1, 0-0)

0-1 MAN: Dwight King (Holloway, Loktionov) 9:11 2nd


Game Stats

SOG: HER 18 MAN 26

PP: HER 0/3 MAN 0/5

PIM: HER 15 Minutes on 6 Penalties MAN 11 Minutes on 4 Penalties

Goalies: HER Michal Neuvirth 25 SVS on 26 Shots HER Jonathan Bernier 18 SVS on 18 Shots

ATT: 2386

3rd Star: Michal Neuvirth (HER)

2nd Star: Jonathan Bernier (MAN)

1st Star: Dwight King (MAN)


Series Schedule

Game 1, 5/12: Manchester Monarchs 2 Hershey Bears 4 (0-2, 0-1, 2-1)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007304

Game 2, 5/15: Manchester Monarchs 2 Hershey Bears 3 (OT) (1-1, 1-0, 0-1, 0-1)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007305

Game 3, 5/17: Hershey Bears 2 Manchester Monarchs 3 (OT) (1-0, 0-0, 1-2, 0-1)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007306

Game 4, 5/18: Hershey Bears 0 Manchester Monarchs 1 (0-0, 0-1, 0-0)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007307

Game 5, 5/20: Hershey Bears VS. Manchester Monarchs 7:00 PM EDT

Game 6, 5/22: Manchester Monarchs VS. Hershey Bears 7:00 PM EDT

Game 7, 5/23: Manchester Monarchs VS. Hershey Bears 5:00 PM EDT*

*If Necessary

Manchester Snaps Winning streak, cuts Calder Cup Conference Final lead to 2-1

The Manchester Monarchs ended the Hershey Bears 7 game winning streak which goes back to the 1st Round Series Clincher against the Bridgeport Sound Tigers last night as Manchester was able to just control the Bears which hasn't been done very much in this years playoffs.

Despite going down 2-0 early in the 3rd period which included Alexander Giroux's playoff leading 11th goal to go up 2-0 just 4 minutes into the 3rd period.

However, just a minute and half later the tide began to turn as Manchester Right Winger John Zeiler to make it 2-1. Then the Monarchs were able to control the momentum from the 2nd period on. But until Gabe Gauthier scored nearly midway through the 2nd period, it was looking like that Michal Neuvirth was having the game of his life as he was able to stop 35 of 37 shots through regulation.

Justin Azevedo was the hero of the game and was named the game's first star with his OT Winner just 2:45 into the extra period as this series saw the 2nd straight game in OT in this series. Game 4 will be back in Manchester, New Hampshire tonight as the Monarchs will look to tie this series and force the Eastern Conference Final to at-least comeback for a game 6 later in the series.

From the American Hockey League Website: http://theahl.com

Trailing 2-0 in the series and 2-0 in the game, Manchester responded with three straight goals to take a 3-2 win over Hershey in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Monday at Verizon Wireless Arena.

Justin Azevedo notched the game-winner just 2:43 into the extra session, sending the Monarchs to their first-ever victory in the Conference Finals round after losing six straight games to the Bears.

With the victory, the Monarchs cut the series deficit to 2-1 heading into Game 4 on Tuesday Night. Mondays victory also guarantees that the series will extend to Game 5 in Manchester on Thursday Night.

Alexander Giroux put Hershey on top with a power play goal 17:26 into the first period, and after a scoreless second, Mathieu Perreault extended the Bears edge 2-0 at 3:55 of the third frame. Chris Bourque assisted on both markers to take over the league with 20 points (6G 14A) in 12 postseason contests.

But staring in the face of a 3-0 daunting series deficit, Manchester battled back. John Zeiler put the home team on the board at 5:44 of the third, and Gabe Gauthier followed with the equalizer only 1:38 later.

Gauthier has now netted a goal in four straight games (5G) and six of his last seven contests (7G 1A). The teams were deadlocked at 2-2 until Azevedo's game winner early in the overtime period, which was assisted by D.J. King.

Manchester improved to 4-1 in overtime this postseason while handling the Bears their first OT loss after five straight victories. Hershey's seven game winning streak overall also came to an end, as the Bears fell for the first time since a 4-1 loss to Bridgeport on April 18 in Game 4 of the East Division Semifinal series.

Manchester goalie Jonathan Bernier made 23 saves between the pipes and improved to a perfect 9-0 postseason when he allows two or fewer goals in a game.


Hershey Bears Lead Series 2-1


Game Boxscore

Hershey Bears 2 Manchester Monarchs 3 (OT) (1-0, 0-0, 1-2, 0-1)

1-0 HER: Alexander Giroux (PP) (Bourque, Aucoin) 17:26 1st

2-0 HER: Mathieu Perreault (Bourque, Beagle) 3:55 3rd

2-1 MAN: John Zeiler (Muzzin) 5:44 3rd

2-2 MAN: Gabe Gauthier (Loktionov, Hickney) 7:22 3rd

2-3 MAN: Justin Azevedo (King) 2:43 OT


Game Stats

SOG: HER 25 MAN 40

PP: HER 1/5 MAN 0/7

PIM: HER 26 Minutes on 9 Penalties MAN 12 Minutes on 6 Penalties

Goalies: HER Michal Neuvirth 37 SVS on 40 Shots MAN Jonathan Bernier 23 SVS on 25 Shots

ATT: 2372

3rd Star: Chris Bouruqe (HER)

2nd Star: Andrei Loktionov (MAN)

1st Star: Justin Azevedo (MAN)


Series Schedule

5/12, Game 1: Manchester Monarchs 2 Hershey Bears 4 (0-2, 0-1, 2-1)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007304

5/15, Game 2: Manchester Monarchs 2 Hershey Bears 3 (OT) (1-1, 1-0, 0-1, 0-1)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007305

5/17, Game 3: Hershey Bears 2 Manchester Monarchs 3 (OT) (1-0, 0-0, 1-2, 0-1)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007306

5/18, Game 4: Hershey Bears VS. Manchester Monarchs 7:00 PM EDT

5/20, Game 5: Hershey Bears VS. Manchester Monarchs 7:00 PM EDT

5/22, Game 6: Manchester Monarchs VS. Hershey Bears 7:00 PM EDT*

5/23, Game 7: Manchester Monarchs VS. Hershey Bears 5:00 PM EDT*

AHL Game 2's, Hershey and Hamilton contuine to march towards Final

Tey were a pair of Calder Cup Semifinal Game 2's over the weekend as the Hamilton Bulldogs and Hershey Bears are strolling towards a matchup in the AHL Calder Cup Final. The League's top 2 teams have used tight games so far in their first 2 wins as the Bulldogs used 2nd period goals from Ryan Russell and Alex Henry to counter a goal scored by Warren Peters to go up 2-1 at the 2nd intermission.

Then a 3rd goal by Mike Glumac put the game away for the Bulldogs. For the league's best defensive team during the regular season as they gave up just 182 goals in 80 games. So far in 2 games against Texas, the Bulldogs have given up just 3 goals on 43 shots which included an OT Winner in Game 1 just 14 seconds into Game 2. Texas is looking to use some home cooking and some desperation to comeback in this series as Game 3 will be on Wednesday Night.

In the East Final between Hershey and Manchester, the Bears have a 7 game winning streak going after a 3-2 OT Win where the Hershey duo of Chris Bourque and Alexander Giroux continue to lead the league in playoff scoring with 18 points each in 11 games played.

Unless something dramatically changes happen in this series, expect the top teams in both conference to faceoff for the AHL Calder Cup Title as both the Bears and Bulldogs are up 2-0 in their best-of-7 series as the series shift to Manchester, New Hampshire and Austin, Texas this week. Can either team make this series, or will see two quick series that will go by fast.


Texas Stars VS. Hamilton Bulldogs Game 2 on Sunday Afternoon: www.texasstarshockey.com

From Hamilton, Ontario: The Texas Stars were defeated by the Hamilton Bulldogs 3-1 on Sunday in front of 2897 fans at the Copps Coliseum in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals. Hamilton forward Brock Trotter set up two goals, including the game winner goal by defensemen Alex Henry at 4:52 of the 2nd period.

Bulldogs Curtis Sanford stopped 22 Texas shots for his 4th straight win. Texas goalie Matt Climie made 27 saves in his 2nd straight defeat. Stars Center Warren Peters scored the only Texas goal of the night. Game 3 is at 7:30 PM at the Cedar Park Center on Wednesday Night.

After a scoreless first period, the Bulldogs opened the scoring with a power play goal 28 seconds into the middle frame. Brock Trotter sent a cross-ice pass to the right wing circle of a Ryan Russell one-timer. Russel shot zipped by Texas Goalie Matt Climie for the 1-0 Hamilton led and his fifth goal of the playoffs. Hamilton made it 2-0 at 4:52 as a Texas Power Play expired. Brock Trotter blocked a pass at center and worked the puck deep to the Texas Crease.

Trotter dropped a pass from defensemen Alex Henry, who scored his 2nd goal of the playoffs, giving the Bulldogs a 2-0 lead. Texas trimmed down Hamilton's lead to 2-1 prior to the end of the period. Center Warren Peters picked up behind the Hamilton net-minder and played the puck off the back of Bulldogs goalie Curtis Sanford for his third goal of the playoffs at 17:40. Defensemen Andrew Hutchinson and Dan Jancevski each picked up an assist on the one timer.

In the third period, the Bulldogs regained their two goal lead at 10:59. Grant Stevenson set up Mike Glumac for a one-timer from the top of the left wing circle. Glumac's ninth goal of the postseason finished off a two-on-one rush for Hamilton and extended the Bulldogs lead to 3-1.


Western Conference Final Update

Game 1: Texas Stars 2 Hamilton Bulldogs 3 (OT)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007311

Game 2: Texas Stars 1 Hamilton Bulldogs 3

Game 3, 5/19: Hamilton Bulldogs VS. Texas Stars 7:30 PM

Game 4, 5/21: Hamilton Bulldogs VS. Texas Stars 7:30 PM

Game 5, 5/22: Hamilton Bulldogs VS. Texas Stars 7:00 PM*

Game 6, 5/24: Texas Stars VS. Hamilton Bulldogs 6:30 PM*

Game 7, 5/26: Texas Stars VS. Hamilton Bulldogs 6:30 PM*

*If Necessary


The Series shifts to Cedar Park, Texas for Games 3 through 5. Game 3 will be on Wednesday, May 19 at 7:30 PM, then Game 4 on Friday, May 21 at 7:30 PM. If possible, Game 5 will be on Saturday Night, May 22 at 7:00 PM at the Cedar Park Center. If, necessary Games 6 and 7 would be played back in Hamilton, Ontario, starting with Game 6 on Monday May 24 at 7:30 PM EDT/6:30 PM EDT. Game 7 would be slated for Wednesday May 26 at 7:30 PM EDT/6:30 PM CDT.


For Tickets

Cedar Park Boxoffice: 512-467-8277

By visiting any Ticketmaster Outlet or at www.ticketmaster.com or at 1-800-745-3000


Hamilton Bulldogs Lead Series 2-0


Game Boxscore

Hamilton Bulldogs 3 Texas Stars 1 (0-0, 2-1, 1-0)

1-0 HAM: Ryan Russell (PP) (Trotter, Desharnais) 0:28 2nd

2-0 HAM: Alex Henry (Trotter) 4:52 2nd

2-1 TEX: Warren Peters (Hutchinson, Jancevski) 17:40 2nd

3-1 HAM: Mike Glumac (Stevenson, Belle) 10:59 3rd


Game Stats

SOG: TEX 23 HAM 30

PP: TEX 0/4 HAM 1/2

PIM: TEX 36 Minutes on 6 Penalties HAM 38 Minutes on 7 Penalties

Goalies: TEX Matt Climie 27 SVS on 30 Shots HAM Curtis Sanford 22 SVS on 23 Shots

ATT: 2897

3rd Star: Warren Peters (TEX)

2nd Star: Curtis Sanford (HAM)

1st Star: Brock Trotter (HAM)




Hershey Bears VS. Manchester Monarchs Game 2 on Saturday Night. From the American Hockey League Website: http://theahl.com

From Hershey, Pennsylvania: Chris Bourque finished off a nifty two-on-one by firing a shot home short side from the right wing at 10:28 of overtime, lifting Hershey to a 3-2 come-from-behind from victory on Saturday before a standing room crowd of 10,726 fans at the Giant Center.

The defending Calder Cup Champions Bears improved to a perfect 5-0 in OT games this postseason and took a 2-0 series lead on the Monarchs in the Eastern Conference Finals, which will shift to Manchester for Game 3 on Monday Night.

Keith Aucoin picked up the primary assist on the game winning goal after being sent on the two-on-one by Boyd Kane, who earned the other helper. Bourque's shot went in as the net came off its moorings behind the Monarchs goalie Jonathan Bernier, but it was determined that the net had been pushed off by Manchester Defenders, allowing the goal to stand.

Hershey, which trailed 2-1 heading into the 3rd period, improved to an impressive 4-1 in the playoffs when trailing after the 2nd period. The only game the Bears have lost in the playoffs was Game 4 of the East Division Semifinal against the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

Bourque also scored in the first period to give the Bears a 1-0 lead, but the Monarchs grabbed a 2-1 advantage on a pair of strikes from Gabe Gauthier, one of which came on the power-play.

Gauthier now tallied a goal in five of the last six games, and he has registered at least a point in all six of those contest (6G 1A).

Manchester's lead lasted until 3:35 of the third period, when Bears forward Steve Pinizotto buired his fourth goal of the playoffs. Aucoin also earned an assist on that marker.

Hershey Goalie Michael Neuvirth earned that victory with 31 saves on 33 shots in net, while the Baz Bastien Award Winner made 37 saves in the losing efforts for the Monarchs.


The Hershey Bears lead the Series 2-0

Game Boxscore

Manchester Monarchs 2 Hershey Bears 3 (OT) (1-1, 1-0, 0-1, 0-1)

0-1 HER: Chris Bourque (Beagle) 3:07 1st

1-1 MAN: Gabe Gauthier (PP) (Lewis, Clifford) 13:58 1st

2-1 MAN: Gabe Gauthier (Bagnall, Elkins) 1:07 2nd

2-2 HER: Steve Pinizzotto (Bouchard, Aucoin) 3:35 3rd

2-3 HER: Chris Bourque (Aucoin, Kane) 10:28 OT

Game Stats

SOG: MAN 33 HER 40

PP: MAN 1/4 HER 0/4

PIM: MAN 15 Minutes on 6 Penalties HER 15 Minutes on 6 Penalties

Goalies: MAN Jonathan Bernier 37 SVS on 40 Shots HER Michal Neuvirth 31 SVS on 33 Shots

ATT: 10,726

3rd Star: Jonathan Bernier (MAN)

2nd Star: Michal Neuvirth (HER)

1st Star: Chris Bourque (HER)



Series Schedule

Game 1: Manchester Monarchs 2 Hershey Bears 4 (0-2, 0-1, 2-1)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007304

Game 2: Manchester Monarchs 2 Hershey Bears 3 (OT) (1-1, 1-0, 0-1, 0-1)

Game 3, 5/17: @ Manchester 7:00 PM (EDT)

Game 4, 5/18: @ Manchester 7:00 PM (EDT)

Game 5, 5/20: @ Manchester 7:00 PM (EDT)*

Game 6, 5/22: @ Hershey 7:00 PM (EDT)*

Game 7, 5/23: @ Hershey 5:00 PM (EDT)*

*If Necessary

Hershey wins Game 1 with a Fast Start in the AHL Eastern Conference Finals

12 days off for the Hershey Bears didn't affect them that much as a goal just 16 seconds spring- boarded the Bears to a game 1 victory where they scored 3 unanswered goals to go up 3-0 before winning 4-2 against the Manchester Monarchs.

Defensemen Sean Collins scored just 16 seconds to get his first goal of the playoffs. Others who joined in on the scoring include Andrew Gordon with his 10th of the playoffs, which ties him for the team lead.

Michal Neuvirth gave up just 1 goal for most of the game as he stopped 24 of 26 shots in the game. Other then a Loktionov goal that made things interesting for a little bit. The Bears were pretty solid all around on defense to prevent the Monarchs had a hard time making this a game at all. Which included getting out-shot 24-15 in the first 2 periods.

This makes Hershey a perfect 9-0 in this year's playoffs and the Bears are looking strong towards defending the AHL Calder Cup Championship this year.


From the American Hockey League Website: www.theahl.com

Hershey jumped out to a 2-0 lead after the first period and doubled up Manchester 4-2 on Wednesday before a crowd of 7,718 fans at Giant Center in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Michal Neuvirth, the reigning Calder Cup Playoff MVP, earned the victory by stopping 24 of 26 shots in the game, improving to a perfect 7-0 this postseason.

Coming off a 12 day layoff, the Bears wasted no time in regaining their scoring touch, but it came from an unlikely source. Defensemen Sean Collins tallied his first goal of the playoffs just 16 seconds after the opening face-off, with assists going to Chris Bourque and Mathieu Perreault.

Andrew Gordon's power play made it 2-0 at 10:02 of the open period, and Steve Pinizzotto built a 3-0 lead for Hershey on an unassisted marker 7:25 into the middle stanza.

Manchester forward Andrew Gauthier closed the game scoring with 3:50 to go in regulation. Monarchs goalie Jonathan Bernier also made 24 saves in net, but he suffered just his 3rd loss of the postseason.

After two days off, the teams will collide for Game 2 in Hershey on Saturday Night.


Hershey Bears lead the Series 1-0

Game Boxscore

Manchester Monarchs 2 Hershey Bears 4 (0-2, 0-1, 2-1)

0-1 HER: Sean Collins (Bourque, Perreault) 0:16 1st

0-2 HER: Andrew Gordon (PP) (Aucoin, Giroux) 10:02 1st

0-3 HER: Steve Pinizzotto (Unassisted) 7:25 2nd

1-3 MAN: Andrei Loktionov (Muzzin, Clifford) 12:32 3rd

1-4 HER: Karl Anzer (Kane) 14:18 3rd

2-4 MAN: Gabe Gauthier (Moller, Lewis) 16:10 3rd


Game Stats

SOG: MAN 26 HER 28

PP: MAN 0/3 HER 1/5

PIM: MAN 15 Minutes on 6 Penalties HER 11 Minutes on 4 Penalties

Goalies: MAN Jonathan Bernier 24 SVS on 28 Shots HER Michal Neuvirth 24 SVS on 26 Shots

ATT: 7718

3rd Star: Chris Bourque (HER)

2nd Star: Michal Neuvirth (HER)

1st Star: Steve Pinizzotto (HER)

AHL Calder Cup Conference Finals

With the Texas Stars winning Game 7 in OT to advance to the American Hockey League Conference Finals. The schedule for the last 4 is all set. The Eastern Conference Final between the Hershey Bears & Manchester Monarchs will get going tomorrow night while the Western Conference will begin in Hamilton, Ontario as the Hamilton Bulldogs will face the Texas Stars for the right to faceoff for the 2010 AHL Calder Cup Championship.

Look for things like team leaders and previews tomorrow. Until then, here's the schedule for both series. All Start Times are CDT.

Eastern Conference Finals

#1E Hershey Bears VS. #3A Manchester Monarchs

Game 1, 5/12: @ Hershey 6:00 PM

Game 2, 5/15: @ Hershey 6:00 PM

Game 3, 5/17: @ Manchester 6:00 PM

Game 4, 5/18: @ Manchester 6:00 PM

Game 5, 5/20: @ Manchester 6:00 PM*

Game 6, 5/22: @ Hershey 6:00 PM*

Game 7, 5/23: @ Hershey 4:00 PM*

*If Necessary


Western Conference

#1N Hamilton Bulldogs VS. #2W Texas Stars

Game 1, 5/14: @ Hamilton 6:30 PM

Game 2, 5/16: @ Hamilton 1:00 PM

Game 3, 5/19: @ Texas 7:30 PM

Game 4, 5/21: @ Texas 7:30 PM

Game 5, 5/22: @ Texas 7:00 PM*

Game 6, 5/24: @ Hamilton 6:30 PM*

Game 7, 5/26: @ Hamilton 6:30 PM*

*If Necessary