December 18, 2009
HERSHEY continued its dominance of the Rochester Americans Friday night, winning 3-1 at Blue Cross Arena. In two wins against the Amerks this season, the BEARS have now outscored their longtime AHL rivals 9-3.
The penalty kill got a big workout in the first period, as Rochester had four power plays and two different five-on-threes. HERSHEY was able to withstand the barrage, and then took a lead late in period one. Oskar Osala scored his seventh goal of the season from Jay Beagle and Patrick Wellar at 14:56, giving the BEARS a 1-0 lead after one. Jay Beagle struck next with his fifth goal of the season early in the second. Beagle’s goal at 6:48 came from Bryan Helmer and John Carlson, giving the visitors a 2-0 lead.
Rochester’s only goal of the night came late in the second period, when Ernie Hartlieb scored his second of the year at 18:37. Brady Calla worked the puck from the left circle to the top of the goal crease where Hartlieb finished Braden Holtby’s shutout bit. It would be the only blemish on an otherwise solid night for the HERSHEY goaltender. Holtby made 26 saves on 27 shots to earn his fourth win of the season. Keith Aucoin rounded out the scoring with a power play goal at 5:27 of the third period.
BEARS Radio Network Three Stars of the game:
1. Jay Beagle (Goal and an assist)
2. Braden Holtby (Another solid outing, fourth win)
3. Keith Aucoin (Power play goal in the third)
Notes: Kyle Wilson missed playing for HERSHEY Friday night, the first time in 212 regular season games that Wilson’s name was not on the lineup card. The streak of 211 consecutive games played is believed to be the third longest in club history. The start for Holtby was his second in as many games, and both against the Americans. Rochester visits
Giant Center Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale at the
Giant Center box office, or by calling (717) 534-3911.
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