CHARLOTTE, NC – A power play goal from Charlottes Bobby Sanguinetti in the first period put the visitors ahead against a Hershey Bear’s team that always looked dangerous. Charlotte kept the lead until 7.16 in the third period when the Bears struck with a well fashioned goal. The Bears scored again at 15.24 to gain the win and end all hopes of Charlotte collecting any points.
Hershey now has a 3-0-0 lead over the Checkers in the four game series which ends today Sunday March 25. With the Midwest Division play-off race so tight, a win by Charlotte would have moved them to fourth place in the division; instead they are in eighth place.
Charlotte outshot the Bears 14-4 in the first period, it appeared that the 6-2 win against Peoria on Wednesday evening had given Charlotte’s confidence a boost. Mike Murphy in the Checkers goal had an excellent game making a total of 25 saves. The framework was there for a win but it was not to be.
Charlotte kept up the pressure in the second period, silencing the home crowd of 10.777 fans. They were unable to take advantage of the few chances that came along. Hershey were also without three of their best players, Keith Aucoin, Jacob Micflikier and Graham Mink, which should have assisted Charlotte.
Hershey survived the second period still trailing by the Sanguinetti goal. The Bears goalie Dany Sabourin made 30 saves in total including keeping the Checkers at bay during a long power-play in the third period. It was Hershey’s Cody Eakin who put the Bears level and then with 4.34 to play in regulation Ryan Potulny scored the winner on a power-play. Charlotte fought back hard but was unable to find the tying goal.
Losing in the third period is something Charlotte are making a habit of , this being the seventh time they have lost after leading through the first two periods. The Checkers also ended the game 1-8 on the power-play, for some reason this is an area that Charlotte have had a problem with for much of the season.
Charlotte stays on the road meeting Hershey again today at 5pm in the last game of the season series.
EddieMItchell@ProHockeyNews.com
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