The Hershey Bears’ final game before the AHL All-Star break was a nailbiter.
Despite breaking the scoring deadlock during the second period with a goal from Liam O’Brien, the Bears surrendered two goals to Providence’s Peter Cehlarik in the third. Providence went on the penalty kill due to a cross-check from Jack Studnicka late in the third, and the Bears pulled goaltender Pheonix Copley to give a 6-on-4 advantage. With just 21.5 seconds left in the third, Philippe Maillet scored to bring the tally even at 2-2.
Providence could not solve Pheonix Copley through overtime, nor the shootout, with Copley turning aside both shooters he faced. Maillet scored on his shootout attempt, and Christian Djoos ended the game with second round winner.
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Christian Djoos wins the shootout for the Bears!!! pic.twitter.com/VKakF6JTLl
— Bears Hockey Nation (@HBHNationBlog) January 26, 2020
With the win, the Bears improved to 27-14-2-3 record on the season. They sit in second place in the Atlantic Division, with 59 points in 49 games played. The Hartford Wolf Pack are ahead of the Bears on the same points, but with just 44 games played.
The Bears will be back in action after the All-Star break on Friday, January 31st at Bridgeport to take on the Sound Tigers. Goaltender Vitek Vanecek was named to the All-Star roster for Hershey for the second consecutive season, and will join teammate Matt Moulson, who is captaining the Atlantic Division.
BEARS WIN! Hershey rallied to tie the game late and earned the 3-2 shootout win at Providence tonight. Here are the S&T Bank Game Highlights. #HBH pic.twitter.com/2VNGOibUcl
— Hershey Bears (@TheHersheyBears) January 26, 2020
Headline photo: @TheHersheyBears
