Falcons Topped by Bears, 4-1

Published on October 18, 2014 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Springfield Falcons News Release


Springfield, Mass. - The Springfield Falcons were topped by the Hershey Bears, 4-1, tonight during the 2014-15 home opener at the MassMutual Center.

The loss pushes the Falcons to 1-2-0-0 on the season and gives the Bears an early lead in the two game season series.

Falcons goaltender Anton Forsberg stopped 26 of 29 shots on goal. Hershey goaltender Philipp Grubauer turned away 20 of 21 shots in victory. Springfield converted on one of six power play opportunities. The penalty kill unit allowed its first goal of the season, stopping only three of four Hershey man-advantages.

The Bears took the lead at the 3:34 mark of the first period and carried it into the first intermission. Kris Newbury passed cross-ice to Tim Kennedy in the right circle. Kennedy sent the puck back across the slot Casey Wellman, who beat Forsberg on his glove side, ending the Falcons perfect two-game penalty kill streak.

Hershey extended their lead to 2-0 in the middle frame. Newbury skated the puck into the neutral zone before passing ahead to Wellman. Wellman netted his second of the night with a slap shot from the right circle at the 9:37 mark.

The Falcons were able to get on the board in the third period, but Hershey struck two more times to solidify a 4-1 victory. Grubauer stopped Denny Urban's shot from the high slot, but Domenic Monardo was able to pick up the rebound and find the back of the net from the left circle just 3:36 into the period. With the power-play goal, Monardo has scored two times in as many nights. Sean Collins earned a point for the secondary assist. Hershey responded with 6:09 remaining. Thomas Larkin hit the ice to stop Caleb Herbert at the right point. Herbet defended against the stick jab with a toe drag and back-handed a pass to Philippe Cornet. Cornet's wrist shot from the left side of the crease snuck under the crossbar to give the Bears a two goal lead. Kennedy earned his second point of the night on the play. Dustin Gazley added one more to the Bear's tally with an empty net goal just after Forsberg was pulled for an extra Falcons' attacker. Herbert and Steve Oleksy were credited with the helpers.

The Falcons will finish their first three-in-three with a visit to Bridgeport on Oct. 26 at 3 p.m.

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