March 21, 2009
GIROUX ONE AWAY FROM 50, BEARS WIN THRILLER IN PORTLAND
By: John Walton
In what could easily be described as HERSHEY’S biggest victory this season, the BEARS rallied from a three goal deficit to defeat the Portland Pirates 5-4 Saturday at the Cumberland County Civic Center.
Oskar Osala opened the scoring Saturday with his 22nd goal of the season just 2:15 into the game, but the Pirates would score the next four. Mark Mancari, Marek Zagrapan, Marc-Andre Gragnani and Felix Schutz would all score for Portland to build up a four goal lead early in the second period. Late in the second period, the BEARS would begin the comeback.
Kyle Wilson scored his 25th goal of the season at the 16:42 mark of the second to make the score 4-2, and HERSHEY began the third period with a power play goal from Alexandre Giroux just 36 seconds into the third. Giroux’s 48th of the season made the score 4-3. Late in regulation, Giroux would score again, potting his 49th at 18:33. Just 48 seconds later, Giroux had a shot tipped by Staffan Kronwall at 19:21. The win for HERSHEY was the team’s 43rd of the season, keeping the team one point back of the first place Bridgeport Sound Tigers with two games in hand.
Notes: HERSHEY heads to Manchester Sunday to close out a three-game weekend in New England. Face-off is at 4:00 p.m. The BEARS return home to face the Toronto Marlies Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. Bryan Helmer was scratched from the lineup Saturday, with Sean Collins inserted in his place. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton lost in Norfolk Saturday 2-1 in regulation. The Chocolate and White now lead the Penguins by three points in the East Division standings with two games in hand.
Bears Radio Network Three Stars of the Game
1. Alexandre Giroux (Two goals, one assist to lead an amazing comeback)
2. Staffan Kronwall (Scored game-winner, two point night)
3. Sami Lepisto (Two assists, another nice night on D)
vs
