Hershey Bears vs. Lehigh Valley Phantoms: Series Preview
For the first time since the 2009 Calder Cup Playoffs, the Hershey Bears will face the Philidelphia Flyers affiliate in a postseason series. To get you ready for the game, I’ve given you a preview of this series, along with my prediction for this best of five in this first round match-up in the battle of Pennsylvania.
Forward:
Lehigh Valley is the highest scoring team in the league. With that being said, Hershey also is an offensive powerhouse scoring the third-most goals in the league. Lehigh Valley gets the edge just because they have more consistently put points on the board this season, but don’t be surprised if Hershey scores at will.
Advantage: Lehigh Valley (Slightly)
Defense:
While the Bears defenseman don’t score as much as Lehigh Valley, they play a much stronger defenseive game. Hershey’s depth compaired to Lehigh Valley’s is astonishing and the top pairing of Tom Gilbert and Christian Djoos is a force to be rekoned with.
Advantage: Hershey
Goalies:
Since coming back to Hershey, Pheonix Copley has stood on his head and proven he is cabale of leading a team to a championship. With a 11-5 record with 0.931 save percentage during his 16 games with the Bears, Copley has a chance to control the entire series.
Advantage: Hershey
Power play:
Lehigh Valley lives and dies by the power play. They will outplay Hershey there, but it will be an area the Bears can focus on shutting down.
Advantage: Lehigh Valley
Penalty kill:
While the Phantoms are ranked higher in this category, Hershey has gone 15-for-17 in their last five games on the penalty kill. This will be a series that with either heavily rely upon special team play, or won’t rely on it one bit.
Advantage: Even
Prediction: Hershey in 4
While almost nobody is picking Hershey to win this series, I think the Bears are ready to run through a wall to win this championship. They have the ability to do something special, and I think they can. They will need to stick to the game plan and not let Lehigh Valley play their game. Keep the Phantoms to two goals or less a game and Hershey will win this series.
All of the information you need to follow along with this series.
Hershey Social Media:
Twitter: @TheHersheyBears
Our Twitter: @ChocHockey
Our Facebook: Chocolate Hockey
Our Instagram: @ChocolateHockey
My Twitter: @Kyle_Mace
Portland Social Media:
Twitter: @LVPhantoms
Facebook: Lehigh Valley Phantoms
Beat: @TonyAndrock
Series Hashtag: #LVvsHER
We will have stories throughout the entire series on the site, along with game updates on our Twitter, and goodies on our Instagram, and Facebook pages. I will also have insights and opinions on my Twitter account all series long.