Bears score 6 in 2nd, up 3-0 in series

After getting handled for much of the first 2 games and in the first period last night Hershey erupted for 6 second period goals on their way to a 7-2 win and a 3-0 series lead.

Alexandre Giroux scored 3 goals, Andrew Gordon added 2, and Kyle Wilson and Steve Pinizzotto also scored for Hershey. All but Wilson's goal came in a monster 2nd period for the Bears.

While Bridgeport has pretty much dominated the 1st period in all 3 games to date they couldn't get a goal in the first last night. Which allowed Hershey to gain confidence and showcase their talents in the 2nd without Bridgeport hanging back protecting a lead.

Bridgeport goalie Scott Munroe was pulled after Pinner's goal (5-0 at the time) and replaced with Mikko Koskinen, who was filling in for the injured Nathan Lawson. Neither Bridgeport goalie had much luck last night though as Hershey scored 7 on only 24 total shots.

Michal Neuvirth got the start for Hershey and could start again this afternoon if he feels up to it according to Coach Mark French. Neuvy was great again last night making 32 saves for his 2nd straight victory. Overall now Neuvy is 18-6 in the playoffs for Hershey.

Hershey can complete the sweep and win the series at 3 this afternoon. But is that the best thing for them to do?

First of all let me say that I hope they win as I would rather just see it end right away and not have to play any extra games.

BUT let me also say that if they do win today they could be sitting around for a while waiting to play again. If the Wilkes-Barre/Albany series goes the distance (Albany up 2-0 with game 3 this afternoon) then Hershey wouldn't even know their second round opponent until next Sunday and likely wouldn't play for 10 days.

Now I don't care how good a team you have or how deep they are but if you are off for 10 days you are going to be rusty the next time you play.

However, I would still rather just see them win it today. No more games, no more risks for injury (Patty McNeill went down last night), and plenty of time to rest and get healthy.

So basically it is like this....

LET'S GO BEARS!! and

LET'S GO ALBANY because if they can sweep the Pens then worrying about a long layoff wouldn't be necessary.