It was the first time a goalie has recorded shutouts in both game 6 and 7 in AHL history.
This was only the 4th series in AHL history that the home team won every game in a 7 game series.
It was the first back to back playoff shutout by a goalie since Freddie Cassivi did it in 2006 and only the third time in Bears history (other time was 1947 I believe).
I am pretty sure it was only the second game 7 shutout in team history...last one was in 1947 in game 7 of the Calder Cup Finals.
So it was a pretty historic night for Michal Neuvirth but he didn't do it alone. The defense was outstanding. Clearing loose pucks, blocking shots, getting the puck out easily, and taking the body, whatever it was they all did it. And in one of the cooler things I have seen after a hockey game the ENTIRE DEFENSE, Helmer, Collins, P. McNeill, Carlson, Arsene, and Kronwall were ALL the #3 star of the game.
Nice Job Guys!!
Scoring wise it didn't take long. For those of you not there or haven't read about it yet, the game winning goal was scored 50 seconds into the game. Keith Aucoin got that one. Bourque tipped in a Giroux shot in the second and Pinner scored a nice goal in the third to eliminate any doubt.
The only bad thing for the Bears came a full day after when Providence won their series in 6. Had they lost they would have played game 7 tonight and had to be in Hershey Saturday for back to back games. But they will get 2 days off while Hershey gets 3 so it should be pretty even.
Some organizational bad news that comes with a positive for Hershey is that the Caps lost last night in game 7 against the bigger Penguins. The positive is that Jay Beagle and Tyler Sloan will be coming back to Hershey probably today.
I am not saying the loss was good as I am a Caps fan and was rooting for them all year. But if you can take a positive from a negative you might as well do it.
Next game is Saturday night against the Bruins. I will have a series preview up either tomorrow or Saturday so be sure to check it out. Lots of unknowns against this opponent since the Bears only saw them twice.
My Three Stars of the Game:
- Michal Neuvirth - great game...huge saves...thank you Neuvy!
- Steve Pinizzotto - 1 goal, the game clincher, but plenty of pesting and big hits and hustle
- John Carlson - always steady in his own end and a factor on offense...a complete d-man
Grading the Performance:
A!!! There really is no reason to go into anything else. The Bears dominated in every facet of the game Tuesday night.
LET'S GO BEARS!!!
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