PHOTOS: Bears Drop Tough Game in Shootout to Syracuse

HERSHEY, PA – Jonathan Marchessault scores on Pheonix Copley in the shootout during Syracuse’s win on Saturday night (Kyle Mace / Chocolate Hockey)

Saturday night was a chance for the Hershey Bears to extend their winning streak to six games and hopefully extend their lead in the East Division. Unfortunately for Hershey, standing in their way was a tough Syracuse Crunch team who was looking to sweep the season series between these two teams with their fourth win against the Bears.

After a scoreless first period, the Crunch received a penalty shot very early on in the second period. Goaltender Pheonix Copley stayed strong in net and make the save, keeping the score tied at 0-0.

Syracuse got hot, scoring two goals in 2:10, including a shorthanded goal to make the game 2-0 midway though the second.

Hershey finally broke through, as Kris Newbury beat Andrei Vasilevskiy to cut the deficit to 2-1.

Then one of the weirdest goals you will ever see. Philippe Cornet’s pass over the net would land on Vasilevskiy’s back, falling in. After official review, the game was tied two-all.

This one would need a shootout, and under new AHL rules, we only see three round shootouts after years of five rounders. Only three rounds were needed, as Jonathan Marchessault would be the only player to score, finding the back of Hershey’s net and giving the Crunch the extra point and win.

More photos from the game:

Pheonix Copley makes a save on the penalty shot in the second period

Syracuse players celebrate their win by banging sticks on the glass and chirping at the Bears fans who were yelling at them from behind their bench all night.