Bears Look to Claw to Another Win Against Monsters: ECF Game 2
How much fun was game one at Giant Center? Pretty awesome, right?
I mean a Mike Vecchione game winning goal in OT is pretty much as storybook ending as storybook endings can go for the Hershey Bears. The man just has so much confidence in high pressure situations.
“Just staying ready,” an even keeled Vecchione said after the game at the podium. “Things aren’t going to be easy, it is the playoffs… just a lot of resilience and a lot of belief in the locker room,” he added as he threw in a reference to Coachella last year.
From the time Ethen Frank sent Bears fans into a roar with his first period tally with a blast, the confidence was high in the stands.
Even through a little swoon when the Bears trailed 2-1,the belief was high that a win was imminent.
The game tying goal by Aaron Ness was a good sign of things to come and proof that you need a few fortunate bounces on your way to win a cup.
“It hit me right in the ass,” is what Aaron Ness said according to Mike Vecchione as the celebration took place.
As I like to say, you just don’t sit on that thing. The veteran Ness knows these opportunities are few and far between, so you take advantage of every moment.
“We have a few guys who have been here and done that,” said Ness referring to high pressure situations. “Get back to the basics in a lot of scenarios, just have a first five minute mentality.”
The deficit didn’t last long for the Chocolate and White, just 1:23 of game time.
Fellow d-man Chase Priskie sent Hershey into the second break with a lead on a quick snap on the power play. Priskie continues to play well both while even strength and while running the second power play unit.
“It starts with the forwards, they are really doing a good job on the forecheck, they are creating turnovers,” said Priskie. “The defenseman aren’t really looking for it, but when it presents itself, we are going to attack.”
Yes, this game was a roller coaster with up and downs. This is a reference to the wave started by the fans with a one goal lead. While I do know the culprit who started that transgression, I am choosing not to reveal the person. I think everyone can agree the wave has to be put to rest when Hershey is in a tight game. The karma just isn’t there.
So after the hockey and wave gods, as well as a penalty, caused Hershey to blow a two goal lead, the stage was set for a thrilling ending.
Give Cleveland credit, they are a good hockey club. But the Bears responded after having the ice tilted against them. After forcing the action, one opportunity opened and Mike Vecchione didn’t need another to end this contest. Veccs, known to be hard on himself as he holds himself to the highest standard, was asked if this is the goal to get him going for the post season, he delivered a perfect answer.
“Overall our lines are playing well, productivity doesn’t necessary mean scoring goals,” the veteran said. “Win a face off, win a wall battle, all those things get the boys going with momentum. Obviously an overtime goal feels great. I am always hard on myself, that is just how I am, and I will continue to do that and be hard on the other guys in the locker room, we need to come out better as a team.”
As a fan you have to love how game one played out. Adversity, excitement and a little nail biting, you can’t ask for much more in hockey game and even the players had fun according to Priskie.
“It is a ton of fun, the playoffs are why you want to play and to compete in the playoffs is a true testament to the character in the room.”
The stage is set for game two tonight.
