Bears Get the W

In the first ever visit to Hershey by the San Antonio Rampage fans in Hershey were treated to a pretty entertaining game. And for the most part a dominating performance from the Bears in every facet of the game except the most important, the scoreboard.

Hershey managed to get 2 points with a shootout victory after leading 2-1 with only 1 minute to go but couldn't prevent the tying goal from the Rampage. With the extra man and an empty net behind them San Antonio got a goal and a point out of the night.

Bryan Helmer scored his first goal of the season for Hershey midway through the second period and Graham Mink added his 18th early in the first to complete the scoring for the Bears.

Daren Machesney started his second straight game and played pretty well most of the game. He had one huge save in the first period as the Rampage came in on a 2 on 1 and got a really nice shot off but Cheese made the save.

So far in this 3 in 3 weekend the Bears have only given up 4 power plays. Unfortunately of those 4 chances they have given up 2 goals. Not a good percentage but if you only give 2 power plays a game then they aren't going to be hurt by the weak penalty kill as much.


My Three Stars of the Game:

1. Josh Tordjman - he stopped 37 shots during regulation to get his team a point
2. Kyle Wilson - 2 goals in the shootout to win the game for Hershey
3. Daren Machesney - only stopped 20 during the game but stopped 5 of 7 in the shootout

Grading the Performance:

• Offense - B+ - the rookie line was easily the best last night as far as chances and pressure go. But all the lines did well. 39 shots and many were decent shots that could have gone in. Some of the guys need to shoot more when they are in position. Specifically last night would have been Darren Reid who came in on a 2 on 1 and passed it into the defenseman and didn't get a shot. Next time SHOOT Darren.
• Defense - A - I thought the D played very well last night. The Rampage never really set up in the offensive zone and were harassed each time they entered the zone. And in the offensive zone the defense was very good as well. They kept the puck in the zone and got shots at the net frequently.
• Goaltending - B+ - A couple goals that almost cost the team a win but you can't really blame him for the second goal as many players were around the puck smacking at it. Some huge saves and some even bigger saves in the shootout.
• Power Play - B - 1 for 4 with the man advantage but it should have been more. They had a short 5 on 3 in the first period and I thought they got some good looks there but they couldn't beat the hot goalie.
• Penalty Kill - D - Gave up another goal but I can't tell you why. I thought it looked like a player or two might have been standing still but it wasn't terrible or anything. I think one improvement could be made if the guys would get their sticks in the passing lanes more.
• Overall - B+ - A very good performance and really a dominating performance. Sometimes though you run into a hot goaltender and there isn't much you can do. That was the case last night. Tordjman played very well and made numerous big saves.

LET'S GO BEARS!!!