Stingrays use third period comeback to top Monarchs, take 3-2 series lead

Kelly Zajac, seen here with Hershey prior to a game in 2017, had the third goal for South Carolina Saturday night.

The South Carolina Stingrays, the ECHL affiliate of the Hershey Bears, are just one win away from the Kelly Cup Finals after defeating the Manchester Monarchs 3-1 on Saturday. The win gives them a 3-2 edge in the series, with Game Six on Monday night.

Even though the 2017-18 ECHL schedule was released earlier this week, there’s still a lot the South Carolina Stingrays have to compete for in the 2017 Kelly Cup Playoffs. The Stingrays, fresh off of a 2-1 win Friday night that tied the series, went into action with a chance to take the lead for the first time in the Eastern Conference Finals.

The Stingrays would have to come from behind, as Manchester would score just over eleven minutes into the first period when Matt Leitner would score on a power play to give the Monarchs the early 1-0 lead. Former Hershey Bear Colton Saucerman collected the primary assist on the goal. The Monarchs would hold the lead through to the second intermission.

South Carolina would come out flying in the third, with Steven McParland scoring the tying goal just four minutes into the final frame. Joey Leach picked up the primary assist, continuing the impact by players who wore the Chocolate and White.

Just over a minute after the goal, the Rays would go on a power play. They took the lead on the man advantage when Oliver Archambault buried a backdoor pass to give them a 2-1 edge.

South Carolina would finish off the scoring when former Bear Kelly Zajac finished a two on one rush with a beautiful deke, putting the icing on the cake for the Stingrays. Parker Milner made 19 saves for the win, and the Stingrays are on the verge of a huge comeback after only winning one of the first three games played in North Charleston. Game 6 is on Monday in Manchester.