No Problems with Norfolk

Going into last nights game in Norfolk the Bears had won all 5 games against the Admirals this season. That included a 3-0 record in Norfolk. Most of those games were close contests though as 3 of the 5 games were decided by 1 goal including an overtime winner in the season's first week.

Well last nights game was not close. Hershey won 6-2 as Norfolk goalie Karri Ramo couldn't figure out how to get in front of the puck. There was a brief scare early in the second when Norfolk scored 2 goals to make the game 3-2. But Hershey took over from there scored once more in the 2nd and twice in the third to put the game away. All in all the Bears managed 34 shots and totaled 6 goals for the 9th time this season.

Kyle Wilson scored two of them (18,19) and Chris Bourque (9), Patty McNeill (2), Keith Aucoin (16), Graham Mink (16) each scored a goal for the Bears. The one name you don't see on that list that you have been getting used to seeing there is Alexandre Giroux. After 15 straight games with a goal he did not manage to get one to continue the record streak. But he did get an assist to extend his points streak to 20 which ties a team record. He will be able to break that record on Friday night at Giant Center.

Daren Machesney played in goal and according to the official scoresheet he faced 47 shots and stopped 45 of them. I am not convinced he actually faced 47 shots but that is what they say so that is what it is.

The team played very well and the game seemed to have less animosity that the previous meeting between the teams. Part of that might have been because Kip Brennan dressed for Hershey and any Admirals player who took liberties with one of Hershey's star players was going to face the wrath of the big man.

The trip home from the game sounded like it was frustrating for the team but I am sure they are happy to be home. They have 2 games this weekend before having almost a week off before playing twice next weekend too.


My Three Stars of the Game:

1. Kyle Wilson - 2 goals and an assist will get you first star most nights
2. Dean Arsene - a solid defensive game and 3 assists
3. Daren Machesney - if you make 45 stops you deserve a mention

Grading the Performance:

• Offense - A - This unit converted on most of their good opportunities last night. Early in the game they were struggling to keep possession and pressure but they turned that around quickly scoring 3 goals in the final 4 minutes of the period. Some good passing and a lot of patience tells the story for the game.
• Defense - B- - I saw a unit that was solid but not great last night. Some players had some problems with turnovers including the duo of Sean Collins and Tyler Sloan. If they did allow Norfolk to take 47 shots then they need to get in the lanes better.
• Goaltending - B - This would usually be an A for a 45 save effort but one of the goals was partially his fault (the defense needs to communicate more) and I don't think his 45 saves were anything to write home about. Still out of position on many stops and got good help from his defense.
• Power Play - B - The one power play goal was very nice. Watching the game on the computer I could see the play coming together perfectly. It is interesting to see what this team can do with the man advantage when a penalty kill just sits back and watches like Norfolk did most of the night. Now the power play has to figure out what to do against an aggressive PK.
• Penalty Kill - A - They only had 3 penalties to kill off so they didn't get too much work but they made the most of it. A good effort from the penalty killers and actually I think they had better opportunities to score than the Norfolk power play did.
• Overall - B+ - A good game against a team that didn't look very good. Norfolk is at the bottom of the division for a reason and they showed it last night. Hershey needs to win these games when they get them and they showed up wanted a W last night.

LET'S GO BEARS!!!


News and Notes:

• Karl Alzner and Bryan Helmer have been returned from Washington and will play Friday and Saturday.
• They might return to Washington next week depending on the health of Tom Poti and Shaone Morrisonn but it is too early to tell that right now.
• Michal Neuvirth was playing in the ECHL All-Star game last night but is expected back in Hershey for the weekend games as Varlamov is not ready to return yet.