Hershey Again Drops Game Late in Wilkes-Barre, 3-2 (OT)

Photo courtesy Official Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins Facebook Page

The Hershey Bears probably wish the clock would run a little faster when they go to Wilkes-Barre. Friday night’s overtime loss was the second straight game, on the Penguins home ice, where the Bears lost in the closing moments of the game.

Friday night, the Penguins Brendan Mikkelson scored a power play goal with just 24 seconds left in overtime. Three week ago, the Bears lost their only other trip to Wilkes-Barre on a goal with less than three minutes to play.

The Bears took a 2-1 lead over the Penguins Friday on goals by Derek Whitmore and Dane Byers to take a 2-1 lead, only to see the lead vanish and then lose the game in overtime. Byers also took a major penalty and game misconduct, which could result in a suspension. The Bears also was awarded a penalty shot in overtime, but Matt Watkins couldn’t convert the opportunity.

Hershey will get another crack at the Penguins on Saturday night at Giant Center and then face off against Norfolk on Sunday. The Bears have recalled T.J Syner from Reading for Saturday night’s game as well. Syner is tied for the Royals scoring lead.

The Bears still sit in last place in the AHL East, with just two wins in their first seven games.