Hershey Gains Point in OT Loss to Binghamton

Nate Schmidt, seen here earlier in the season, scored his first goal since opening night with Hershey on Friday night against Binghamton during the Bears’ 5-4 loss to the Senators (Kyle Mace / Sweetest Hockey on Earth)

The Bears face another nearly must win situation tonight, when they face one of the best teams in the league, the Springfield Falcons. Hershey remains in control of the 8th and final playoff spot in the AHL Eastern conference, by just one point, with five games to go.

Hershey missed an opportunity to pick up an extra point Friday night, falling to Binghamton 5-4 in overtime on Friday in New York. The Bears trailed 1-0 early in the second when Nate Schmidt, who was playing in his first game since March 8th, tied the game at one with his first goal since opening night. Binghamton would respond with two more goals to take a 3-1 lead, but Hershey responded with persistent play in front of the Binghamton net, resulting in back-to-back goals of their own.

Dane Byers would tip one past Nathan Lawson for his 14th goal of the season and Michael Latta would tie the game up on a goal off of a Ryan Potulny pass with 2:30 left in the second.

Hershey held the lead only once all night when Casey Wellman would score the go ahead goal very early in the third period. Binghamton responded right away with a goal of their own less than a minute later to knot the score up at four-all. Then in overtime, the Senators Derek Grant let a shot rip from the top of the left wing circle that beat David Leggio to the blocker side for the game winner.

The Bears now have five games left. After facing the Falcons tonight, they will play Binghamton at home on Sunday. Hershey will be scoreboard watching, with Norfolk right on their tails as they play in Worcester tonight. All signs point to what should be a showdown series next Wednesday and Friday in Norfolk that might decide the 8th and final playoff spot in the East.

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