Penalties Prove Decisive in 3-2 SO Loss against Norfolk
Johan Harju scores the game-winner in the shootout against Schaefer. Photo by Kyle Mace
It was a big day for the special teams as the Hershey Bears took on the rival Norfolk Admirals.
Patrick McNeill scored during a first period power play. He was skating between the face-off circles when he stopped the puck with his foot. He kicked it in front of him and shot a sweet wrister past Dustin Tokarski.
During the second period, the Admirals countered with a power play goal of their own. They got Nolan Schaefer moving and he couldn’t cross the crease in time to stop a shot from Alex Berry. Tie game after two periods.
As it always seems to with these teams, it came down to a big third period. The Admirals took their first lead of the game almost halfway through the period while (you guessed it) on the power play. It was speedy play and a fast pass to the middle where James Wright tipped it past Schaefer.
But Kyle Greentree was ready to respond! Just a minute later, Greentree gave Hershey a second wind by scoring five-hole on Tokarski. And get this: it wasn’t on the power play!
I’m sure that after seven games in nine nights, overtime during the seventh game was not deserved. Nevertheless, the Bears found themselves in sudden death, fighting for that extra point. Sean Collins was whistled for a delay of game late in overtime and the Bears killed it off to move the game to the shootout.
The Admirals only scored once, but that was all they needed. Tokarski stopped all five Hershey skaters. Bears lose 3-2 (SO).
Tokarski is just unreal. We all keep waiting for him to show signs that he’s human but he’s the epitome of a “hot goalie” right now. Nevertheless, the Bears should be proud of the way they played tonight. It was a fantastic all-around effort and they definitely have a well-deserved rest coming up this week. See you Friday.
Tonight’s Notes:
- Zach Miskovic played today after being sidelined with an upper body injury. He was paired with Dmitry Orlov. It was a bit of a rough game for Miskovic, but that’s to be expected after missing twelve games.
- With his goal tonight, Greentree has goals in three straight games. Greentree’s play as of late is the perfect example of what we need: guys stepping up their game when some of our prolific scorers are out with injuries. Greentree is a prolific scorer in his own right, but he has really been roaring as of late.
- The Bears are now 3-5 in the shootout. Schaefer is 0-2 during the shootout.
- Chris Durno did not play today. This game was the third of his three game suspension after the hit that injured Keith Aucoin.
- During the post-game press conference, Mark French said that he thinks Andrew Gordon will be able to skate with the rest of time this week and hopes that Steve Pinizzotto will be ready to play by Friday.
Lines and Pairings:
Kane – Perreault – Bouchard
Greentree – Willsie – Kozek
Lacroix – Joudrey – Rome
Kugryshev – Carroll – de Kastrozza
McNeill – Collins
Miskovic – Orlov
Wellar – Fahey
Actual three stars of the game:
1. Dustin Tokarski (NOR)
2. Stefano Giliati (NOR)
3. Patrick McNeill (HER)
Sweetest Hockey On Earth’s three stars of the game:
1. Greentree: game-tying goal, strong game
2. McNeill: first game of the night
3. The Penalty Kill Unit: stopped five of Norfolk’s seven power plays
More Photos by Kyle Mace
McNeill’s shot finds the back of the net.
Schaefer looks in his net only to find an Admiral scored.
Greentree takes charge and ties the game up!
The fans and the team celebrate being back in the game.
…but unfortunately Norfolk takes this one.