MANCHESTER , NH – The Manchester Monarchs spotted the Hershey Bears a 2-0 lead in the early part of the third period but came back in desperation to win in overtime 3-2 overtime thriller and got back into the series avoiding a 3-0 hole their Eastern Conference Finals. Justin Azevedo ’s game-winner 2:43 into overtime sent the Monarchs to their first-ever victory in the conference finals after losing six straight games to the Bears. Alexandre Giroux scored on the power play 17:26 into the first period and Mathieu Perreault game the Bears a 2-0 lead 3:55 into the third period, but John Zeiler got Manchester back in the game 5:44 of the third and period and Gabe Gauthier quickly tied the game at 2-2 1:38 later. Gauthier now has a goal in four straight games and six of his last seven games. Overtime once again became Manchester’s time to shine this playoff season improving to 4-1 in overtime this postseason. The loss was Hershey’s second of the playoffs and seven-game winning streak came to a halt as well. Their last loss was a 4-1 loss at Bridgeport on April 18th in Game four of the East Division semifinals. Monarchs goaltender Jonathan Bernier is now 9-0 this postseason when allowing two or fewer goals in a game. Michal Neuvirth took the loss for Hershey. Manchester outshot Hershey 29-11 in the last two periods of the game and 3-1 in overtime. Game Four is Tuesday night in Manchester. Contact the author at Brian.Jennings@prohockeynews.com
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