Bring On The Bears
Published on May 7, 2010 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Manchester Monarchs News Release
MANCHESTER, NH - Defenseman Viatcheslav Voynov scored his first goal of the playoffs at 1:55 of overtime to give the Manchester Monarchs a 2-1 victory over the Worcester Sharks at the Verizon Wireless Arena on Friday night in game six to advance them to the 2010 Calder Cup Eastern Conference Final against the Hershey Bears. Game one of the conference series will be held on Wednesday, May 12 against the Bears at the Giant Center.
"It was a hard fought battle but we're glad we don't have to go back to Worcester," said Monarchs Head Coach Mark Morris.
When discussing the Monarchs next opponent, the Bears, Morris explained, "All you have to do is look up in their rafters to see their history. We know it's going to be a tough battle and we look to build on our success for this next series."
Voynov's game-winning goal at 1:55 of the overtime period sent the Monarchs to the Eastern Conference Final for the second time in team history. Voynov entered the offensive zone on a two-on-one break with center Andrei Loktionov. Voynov slid the puck across the ice to Loktionov skating down the center of the zone. Sharks goaltender Alex Stalock slid to the left post to defend a potential Loktionov shot when the Monarchs rookie center returned the pass to his defenseman along the right wing. Voynov buried the puck into the center of the net to clinch victory and end the series. Left wing Bud Holloway also assisted on Voynov's game-winner.
Center Ryan Vesce put the Sharks up, 1-0, at 1:15 of the opening period. The puck popped free in the slot and Vesce was on the doorstep to swipe a shot on Monarchs goaltender Jonathan Bernier. The puck trickled up and over Bernier's blocker for Vesce's third goal of the season, unassisted.
The Monarchs tied the game at 1-1 with a power play goal at 9:06 of the second period. Voynov fired the puck from the center point that Stalock was able to get a piece of with his left pad. As he tried to control the rebound, center Gabe Gauthier was on the doorstep and started to thrash away at the puck. Before Stalock could cover it up, Gabe jammed in his third goal of the playoffs to even the score. Right wing Trevor Lewis assisted on the goal.
Bernier (8-2) recorded his eighth victory of the playoffs, stopping 28-of -29 shots on net. Stalock (6-5) drew the loss, halting 25-of-27 shots on goal.
Manchester went 1-for-3 on the power play. Worcester was 0-for-1 with the man advantage.
American Hockey League Stories from May 7, 2010
- Stars Tame Wolves 5-3, Texas Leads Series 3-2 - Texas Stars
- Monarchs Advance To The Eastern Conference Final - Manchester Monarchs
- Wolves Tripped Up In Texas, Fall 5-3 In Game 5 - Chicago Wolves
- Bring On The Bears - Manchester Monarchs
- Six Griffins Alumni Aim for Gold at World Championship - Grand Rapids Griffins
- Worcester Eliminated in Overtime, 2-1 - Worcester Sharks
- Bears to face Manchester Monarchs in 2010 Eastern Conference Finals - Hershey Bears
- AHL announces schedule for Eastern Conference Finals - AHL
- True North Sports & Entertainment Statement Regarding The National Hockey League - Manitoba Moose
- Exclusive Content On NewYorkRangers.Com For 2010 IIHF World Championships - Connecticut Whale
- Game Day Preview: Chicago At Texas For Game 5 Of West Division Finals - Texas Stars
- Texas Stars Playoff Update #24 - Texas Stars
- Monarchs Add Clifford To Roster - Manchester Monarchs
- AHL Announces Suspension - AHL
- AHL Morning Skate - AHL
- Sabres Sign 2008 Draft Pick Nick Crawford To Entry-Level Contract - Portland Pirates
- Heat Pound Dogs 4-1 - Abbotsford Heat
- Bulldogs Drop Game 4 To Heat 4-1 - Hamilton Bulldogs
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
