Bears struggle and get shut out at home. Vanecek makes 28 saves in the effort. Bears lose 3-0.
The Hershey Bears (28-14-2-3) welcome in their rivals from the northeast, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms (18-22-1-5) to the Giant Center. Tonight there is a special jersey being worn by the Bears. A chocolate covered looking jersey that will be auctioned off at the end of the game. Proceeds will go to charities around the area.
This matchup has been splendid for Hershey this season, going 6-0-1-0 against Lehigh Valley so far. The Bears have won the last five games with the last seven games only being decided by one goal. These games have been tight and can go either way.
Vitek Vanecek returns back to Hershey in his first game back after winning the AHL All Star MVP out in Ontario, California. He gets the start and faces off against Phantoms’ goaltender Jean-Francois Berube.
1st Period:
The Phantoms came out of the gate with a ton of speed. They also have some additions to the roster with Morgan Frost and Chris Stewart being recently sent down to the AHL roster. Both of these players had a big role in the first goal of the game. Frost got the puck to Maksim Sushko. Susko threw the puck to the net from the point. Stewart tipped the puck past Vanecek to give the Phantoms an early goal in the first period. Lehigh Valley led 1-0.
The @LVPhantoms strike first with Chris Stewart scoring in just his second game with the club. @TheHersheyBears down 1-0 early in the first.#HBH #DefendTheDen @CapsOutsider pic.twitter.com/0RHQ09agJL
— Cory Lyons (@CoryLyonsAHL) February 2, 2020
1st Period Shots: HER – 5, LV – 8
1st Period Scoring:
LV – GOAL: Chris Stewart (1); Assist(s): Maksim Sushko (9), Morgan Frost (12)
2nd Period:
Both teams had a chance at the power play but neither team could find the back of the net. Phantoms continued to pour on the speed, while the Bears started to find their legs. Some energy was returned to the crowd late in the period, leading to what they hope is an exciting third period.
Lehigh Valley held on to their 1-0 lead going into the locker room in the second period.
2nd Period Shots: HER – 9, LV – 8
2nd Period Scoring:
None
3rd Period:
Hershey never really got started with their scoring, speed or hitting. In fact, they only had one decent scoring chance. Vitek Vanecek did everything he could to keep the Bears in the game with saves like this:
With saves like this from @vitacz15, @TheHersheyBears are only down 1-0 midway through the third period. He is giving them a chance…#HBH #DefendTheDen @CapsOutsider pic.twitter.com/DYATZAeHRc
— Cory Lyons (@CoryLyonsAHL) February 2, 2020
David Kase entered the zone alone for the Phantoms and capitalized on some Bears miscommunication. He gave Lehigh Valley a 2-0 lead.
David Kase capitalizing on some miscommunication by @TheHersheyBears. @LVPhantoms now lead 2-0 late in the third period.#HBH #DefendTheDen @CapsOutsider pic.twitter.com/EIkZLDpp7u
— Cory Lyons (@CoryLyonsAHL) February 2, 2020
The Phantoms scored an empty net before the end of the game. Vorobyev was credited with the goal.
Bears lose to the Phantoms, 3-0.
3rd Period Shots: HER – 4, LV – 14
Overall Shots: HER – 18, LV – 30
3rd Period Scoring:
LV – Goal: David Kase (5); Assist(s): None
LV – Goal: Mikhail Vorobyev (9); Assist(s); None (EN)
Three Stars:
- LV – Chris Stewart – GWG
- LV – J.F. Berube – 18 Saves, Shut Out
- LV – David Kase – 1 Goal
Official Scoresheet: https://theahl.com/stats/game-center/1020315
Photos used in this post are credited to Caroline O’Connor/Hershey Bears/Great Save Productions.
