MANCHESTER , NH – The Hershey Bears came back twice in Game Five against the Manchester Monarchs to win in overtime 3-2 and once again lead the Eastern Conference finals 3-2 heading back to Hershey on Saturday night. Chris Bourque’s goal with 51 seconds left in regulation tied the game at 2-2 and Francois Bouchard’s goal 10:38 into overtime sealed the deal for the Bears. The Monarchs got goals from Bud Holloway and Jacub Mussin. Kyle Wilson also scored for Hershey. The Bears avoided losing three straight games in the series, something they have not done all season long. The Bears outshot the Monarchs 35-29 in the game and 9-2 in overtime.
With the win the Bears are one game away from reaching the Calder Cup finals for the fourth time in the past five seasons. If they can reach the finals they will be shooting for their 11th title in franchise history. Hershey set the AHL record of 10 titles last season. In the Western Conference finals the Hamilton Bulldogs are up 2-1 in their series against the Texas Stars. If Hamilton and Hershey reach the finals it will be a rematch of the 2007 Calder Cup finals when the Bulldogs won in five games, the only time the Bears lost a Calder Cup finals in the past five years. Hershey also won titles in 2006 and 2009.
The series now shifts to Hershey for Game Six will be on Saturday night and a potential Game Seven Saturday and Sunday if necessary.
Contact the author at Brian.Jennings@prohockeynews.com
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