Hershey got on the bus and headed West yesterday to kick off their two game stretch in Cleveland to face off against the Monsters. Hershey came into tonight as road warriors. The Bears have won five straight on the road, and were looking to make it six in a building they’ve had a lot of regular season success over the last couple seasons.
A few changes from the Bears 2-1 victory this past Sunday against Lehigh Valley. Henrik Rybinski was added to the injured list with an upper body injury, so he came out of the lineup, though the return of Ivan Miroshnichenko from his absence lessened that blow. Graeme Clarke returned to the lineup on the fourth line, as Justin Nachbaur came in for Dalton Smith on the fourth line as well.
On the back end, Ryan Chelsey returned from an illness that kept him out last Sunday, as he slid in for the now demoted Connor Mayer and Jon McDonald came in for David Gucciardi. Clay Stevenson got the start and it makes sense- Clay has been hot over his last four starts, with his lowest save percentage in that time being a .929 against Springfield.
Postgame Takeaways
- Hershey started quickly and it was thanks to the returning Miroshnichenko. Miro found him self all alone in front of the net after Cleveland failed to clear the zone, and Ilya Protas was able to get the puck to him. From there, he made no mistake.
- It was a strong comeback game for Miroshnichenko, who didn’t look rusty at all tonight. He’s back at full strength and will be a huge add for this Bears team.
- The Bears road power play has been one of the best in the AHL, and they continued that run tonight. Hershey converted on two of their three chances with the man advantage.
- Both came within a minute of each other in the first. It was Spencer Smallman tipping home an Andrew Cristall pass for Hershey’s first on the power play, and then Ilya Protas recollected his blocked shot to put the second chance shot past Fedotov to make it 3-0 Hershey.
- The two points from Protas tonight puts him tied for fourth in rookie scoring in the AHL. Andrew Cristall’s two points moved him into a tie for fifth in AHL rookie scoring. These kids are alright.
- Spencer Smallman put up a goal and two assists tonight, the best performance of the season on the scoresheet for one of Hershey’s veteran leaders.
- Bogdan Trineyev put home the Bears fourth of the night. That’s his fifth of the season, and he is one of multiple returners from last year who seems set to soar past his career high in points.
- Another great game from Clay Stevenson tonight. A 32/34 performance tonight makes it five straight games for Stevenson with a .929 save percentage or better. He’s been excellent.
- Corey Schueneman got another assist tonight. That’s his third as a Bear since coming over from Springfield.
- Cam Allen left the game early after falling awkwardly trying to stand up for Graeme Clarke when Clarke was hit late by a Monsters player. Allen was described as having an upper body injury by the Bears X account, and I hope it is not a reinjury of the shoulder he had to have surgery on a few seasons ago.
- The Bears were perfect on the PK again. It continues a streak of very impressive penalty kills from the Bears, who now boast one of the top PK units in the league.
Now Watch This Goal
Four to choose from tonight. I’m choosing Bogan Trineyev’s goal tonight, which was arguably the dagger. It came after some excellent zone time from Hershey, and Trineyev’s patience and smooth hands made sure this puck ended up in the back of the net.
The Chocolate Roar 