Hershey Gets First Win Against Amerks 4-3.

Rochester and Hershey rock the throwback jerseys.

When the teams were tied at 3 in the third period, Hershey may have been having flashbacks to the previous night. Thankfully, they seemed set on not allowing the same outcome. Keith Aucoin continues to outdo himself. After a goal and an assist last night, he gets TWO goals and assist tonight. His second goal was a shorthanded goal after he perfectly read a Rochester play and intercepted it for a 1-on-none breakaway.

Brian Fahey would step up to tie the game halfway through the third period. It was a big goal that gave Hershey the momentum and energy for the rest of the game. Andrew Gordon found the back of the net on a rebound after a Kyle Greentree breakaway. Thanks to him, Hershey will be getting on the bus with two more points tonight.

The game was officiated a little differently today. Usually, the AHL only plays with two linesmen and one referee. However, this season there will be a handful of games used to begin phasing in the two referee system. Tonight, both Jamie Koharski and Ghislain Hebert were wearing the orange arm bands. There was no shortage of penalties awarded during tonight’s game, perhaps because of having double the refs. Not to say that this game wasn’t physical, but players were getting called for just about every touch. A grand total of 18 penalties were called, 9 for Hershey and 9 for Rochester.

With how many penalties were doled out today, Hershey didn’t cash in when they had the man advantage. The powerplay crew seemed to be lacking in chemistry a little. It’s not anything to worry about yet, but could use some attention. They have some adjusting to do after losing Alexandre Giroux and Chris Bourque, HUGE parts of last season’s powerplay. Maybe the powerplay #NeedsMoreSheldonSouray?

The players will get some rest for the next few days before they travel to Binghamton to play the Senators on Friday. They play their first home game on Saturday and, if you haven’t already, I suggest you secure yourself some tickets ASAP.

Tonight’s notes:

• Both teams were wearing special throwback jerseys to celebrate the AHL’s 75th season. Rochester looked a bit like skating flags, a look that we’ve seen from them throughout the past couple of years. The Bears opted for brown and white stripes. John Walton noted (and I have to agree) that it was kind of difficult to read their names and numbers. I kind of liked them though even though they slightly resembled chocolate Hamburglars.
• Thankfully, Rochester’s home opener ceremony was much shorter than Wilkes-Barre’s. Of course, I am totally biased and believe that only the Calder Cup Champs deserve elongated ceremonies.
• The penalty kill started off perfect before allowing two powerplay goals during the second period. Still not terrible since they killed off 5 other penalties, including a 5-on-3.
• For those who are curious, Michael Nylander finished the game with 1 shot on goal, 2 penalties (hooking, cross-checking) and a -1 rating.
• Gordon scored the game-winning goal with just over 2 minutes left in the game. I think he was destined for this goal since he wears the #10 and he scored on 10/10/2010.
• Dare I say it, but I think I’m in love with the Greentree-Aucoin-Gordon line. Tim Leone pointed out that in two games, the line has a combined 5 goals and 6 assists. IN TWO GAMES.

Actual three stars of the game:

1. Keith Aucoin (HER)
2. Andrew Gordon (HER)
3. Chris Clackson (RCH)

Sweetest Hockey On Earth’s three stars of the game:

1. Aucoin: two goals (one shorthanded) and an assist on GWG
2. Gordon: GWG
3. Fahey: game-tying goal, +3 rating for the night