Hershey Skates Past Amerks With 3-1 Win
December 18, 2009 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Rochester Americans News Release
(Rochester, NY)... The defending Calder Cup champion Hershey Bears defeated the Rochester Americans 3-1 tonight at The Blue Cross Arena. The matchup was the first leg of a home-and-home series and the second of four meetings this season between the league's cornerstone franchises. With the loss, Rochester falls to 20-8-1-0 (41 points), while Hershey improves to 19-8-0-2 (40 points).
Hershey was led by Jay Beagle (1+1) and goaltender Braden Holtby who made 26 saves in the victory. Rochester's lone goal came from Ernie Harlieb. The trio received first, second and third star honors, respectively.
The Bears netted the first goal of the game nearly 15 minutes in with a bulls-eye shot by winger Oskar Osala. The shot was setup by a Jay Beagle pass around the end boards. Osala started the shot facing the boards and found an open spot above the right shoulder of Amerk goaltender Alexander Salak. Beagle and Patrick Wellar were credited with the assists.
Hershey then doubled their lead at the 13:12 mark when Bryan Helmer sent a long pass to Beagle who was streaking down the middle of the ice. Beagle was able to fake Salak and capitalize on the breakaway opportunity. Salak, now 16-4-0, finished with 37 saves.
Rochester then cut the Bears' lead in half when Brady Calla found Ernie Hartlieb for his second goal of the season. The goal was scored on a 3-on-2 fast break and was also assisted by Amerk newcomer Daniel Tkaczuk. Calla has now recorded a point in his last three games.
Keith Aucoin added another insurance goal for the Bears nearly seven minutes into the final stanza. Aucoin, who had an unobstructed shot on Salak, was setup by Alexandre Giroux and Andrew Gordon.
Hershey also managed to remain perfect on the penalty kill, including a seven-minute span where Rochester had four power plays and two 5-on-3 opportunities. Aucoin's goal was on Hershey's only power-play opportunity of the night making the visitors perfect in that category.
The Amerks return to "Chocolate Town" for the second time in a week to complete the two-game set on Saturday, December 19th at the Giant Center. The 7:00 p.m. contest will be broadcast live on Sports Radio 1280 WHTK and FM 107.3, Rochester's Sports Talk.
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