For the first time this season- The Chocolate Roar made a road trip. I was in Allentown tonight as the Bears took on their cross state rivals in the Phantoms. The Bears acquired some major reinforcements over the last week, which Luke Brown talked about in his article here.

While newcomers Ryan Chesley and David Gucciardi would not make their debuts tonight, Bears captain Aaron Ness did return to the lineup, providing the Hershey defense with a needed boost.

Clay Stevenson got the start in net with Hunter Shepard up in Washington due to an injury to Logan Thompson.

First Period

It was a relatively eventless first period for the Bears. The Phantoms physical play beat down the shorthanded Bears in the offensive zone.

In fact, it was the goaltending of Clay Stevenson that kept this a tied game through the first. Stevenson had one of his best performances of the season this period, stopping 13 shots. The Bears best chance came from Pierrick Dube off the rush, as he forced a strong shoulder save out of Phantoms goalie Cal Peterson.

Andrew Perrott also won a fight over Adam Ginning. That was nice.

The Bears headed into the second with much to improve on to take control in this game.

Second Period

The Bears would start the second on the front foot. Finally getting some decent puck possession in their own zone, Nicky Leivermann put a shot towards the net that was perfectly tipped by Luke Philp to put the Bears up 1-0.

Then seven minutes later, Spencer Smallman, celebrating a new deal that will keep him in the organization for another two year, tipped home his tenth of the season, which put Hershey up 2-0.

Clay Stevenson was once again the Bears best player this period though. While the chances were not as high danger or plentiful for the Phantoms in the second as they were the first, Stevenson still came up with two big saves. One was a massive left pad save on a Phantoms two on one, while the second showed off his usually excellent positioning, making a sliding save across on a Lehigh Valley three on two.

The Bears went into the third with the momentum and the lead, hoping to clinch the win.

Third Period

The Bears were unable to bring the momentum offensively they had in the second into the third, but for the first twelve minutes were able to play the defensive game we know the Bears can play under Todd Nelson.

The Bears were good in between the lines, and made life relatively easy for Clay Stevenson. For the first twelve minutes of the third. But, a turnover in the neutral zone saw Alexis Gandron come in all alone, and he sniped home his 20th of the season to cut the Bears lead in half.

From then on, it was on the Bears to keep a hold on the lead, as the Phantoms came across with wave after wave of chances. Clay Stevenson held the line though, and the Bears, even down an extra man with a late delay of game call on Jon McDonald, kept a hold on their 2-1 lead to eek out an important two points.

Playoff Update

Not only did the Bears get those crucial two points last night, but losses by both the Charlotte Checkers and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins means the Bears magic number for clinching the Atlantic division title was cut from 14 to 10. The Bears can cut that number even further with a win over Hartford at home tonight.

In fact, a win over the Wolf Pack plus a win for the Phantoms tonight would clinch a spot for the Phantoms. They currently sit fifth in the division.

Post Game Quotables

“I’m happy with the win. I don’t think we played a very strong game, but we found a game to win. Clay was great in net for us and like my saying goes they can’t all be Picasso’s. The guys found a way to get a nice road win for us.” – Head Coach Todd Nelson talking about last night’s win.

“It’s awesome, and the win as well, couldn’t be happier to be here. It feels like home already. From the moment I walked in during training camp I felt right at home. I feel like I’ve grown as a person and as player here and I’m happy to be here for another two years.” – Spencer Smallman when asked about his new two-year extension with the organization.