Refs Dictate Pace, Bears Lose 5-2

Cory LyonsNovember 17, 2018

172 3 minutes read

Milner makes 32 saves in a 5-2 loss to Cleveland. Referees dictate pace of game for the second straight night with 19 penalties on Saturday.

For live updates of the game, follow Cory Lyons on Twitter at @CoryLyonsAHL

The Hershey Bears (8-8-0-1) host the Cleveland Monsters (8-7-1-0) at the Giant Center for the second time in as many nights. Last evening, the Bears won 6-1 with quality play from multiple goal scorers and goaltender Parker Milner.

1st Period:

The game started just where it left off yesterday. It took 45 seconds for someone to land in the penalty box. The Bears eventually find themselves on the power play but give up the brutal mistake. Cleveland captain Nathan Gerbe found himself on a short handed breakaway and scored as he was tripped. This gave the Monsters a 1-0 lead.

As the penalties continued, Hershey found themselves on a 5 on 3 advantage. After the first penalty was over, Riley Barber sniped home a shot from the point as it went through a screen. This was Barber’s 4th game in 4 games and his 7th goal in the last 9 games.

Later in the period, Hershey took advantage of miscommunication by Cleveland. Mike Sgarbossa found himself alone and pounded home a rebound, giving Hershey the 2-1 lead as everyone went to the locker room.

Crashing the net like a sgarBOSSa! This late 1st period goal gave the Bears a 2-1 advantage! #HBH #DefendTheDen pic.twitter.com/9efCi2qt1Z

— Hershey Bears (@TheHersheyBears) November 18, 2018

1st Period Shots: HER – 6, CLE – 13

1st Period Scoring:

8:32 – CLE: Nathan Gerbe(3) ASST: Alex Broadhurst(7)(SH)

10:06 – HER: Riley Barber(7) ASST: Mike Sgarbossa(5), Lucas Johansen(8)(PP)

15:45 – HER: Mike Sgarbossa(8) ASST: Nathan Walker(2), Shane Gersich(6)

2nd Period:

Cleveland came out of the locker room inspired. Kevin Stenlund found himself alone in the slot on a rebound, collecting his 4th goal of the season.

Less than a minute later, Adam Clendening had the puck bounce right to him near the top of the circle. Clendening slapped home his first goal of the season, giving the Monster a 3-2 lead.

Half way through the penalty infested period, Cleveland’s Tommy Cross took a shot that was originally stopped by Parker Milner landing on his shoulder. Tyler Lewington pushed a Monsters player into Milner and as he fell, the puck went across the line. Cross was credited with his first goal of the season. This gave Cleveland a 4-2 lead.

Hershey went into the locker room looking for inspiration. They were out shot 20-5 and can not stay out of the penalty box.

2nd Period shots: HER – 5, CLE – 20

2nd Period Scoring:

1:24 – CLE: Kevin Stenlund(4) ASST: Nathan Gerbe(10), Vitaly Abramov(3)

2:23 – CLE: Adam Clendening(1) ASST: Sonny Milano(2), Alex Broadhurst(8)

10:20 – CLE: Tommy Cross(1) ASST: Sonny Milano(3), Adam Clendening(2)(PP)

3rd Period:

Hershey was finally able to produce some shots on net, but nothing of a major concern for Cleveland net minder Jean-Francois Berube as he stopped all 11 in the period.

The Bears got a few power play opportunities but had a tough time entering the zone and having consistent pressure.

Late in the third, the Monsters pinned the puck down in Hershey’s end for an extended period of time. The play should have been blown dead before the puck finally popped out and on to Tommy Cross’s stick. Cross beat Milner glove side to score the final goal of the game.

Cleveland went home with a 5-2 win, splitting the weekend series with Hershey.

3rd Period Shots: HER – 11, CLE 5

Total Shots: HER – 22, CLE 38

3rd Period Scoring:

16:45 – CLE: Tommy Cross(2) ASST: Vitaly Abramov(4), Kevin Stenlund(4)

Three Stars: