Kraken Affiliate Firebirds
For the second time in the Calder Cup Final, the two teams went to overtime and for the 2nd time the Hershey Bears were victorious. Winger Garrett Pilon ripped home the even strength winner from the slot at 10:01, the lone goal of the game, just seconds after Hershey’s 2nd power play of overtime came to an end.
The Firebirds complained that the winning goal followed what should have been a too-many-men-on-the-ice infraction by the Bears that wasn’t called.
Down 2-games-to-none, the Bears won 5-4 in overtime in Game-3 last Tuesday night to avoid an insurmountable task. They then won Game-4 in regulation 3-2.
With Hershey winning all three games at home, the series returns to Coachella Valley with the respective home team having won every match. The Firebirds will need to win Monday night to force Game-7, also scheduled for the Acrisure Arena.
Pilon is the son of former NHL defenseman Rich Pilon, who played 15 years in big show, mostly with the New York Islanders.
Defense First
The Coachella Valley Firebirds (Seattle Kraken) and the Hersey Bears (Washington Capitals) took a more cautious approach to matters in Game-5 of the Calder Cup Final, at least until the power play chances ramped up for the home team in the 2nd period.
Shots on goal in the 1st period ended just 8-6 in favor of the Bears with most opportunities kept to the outside. Coachella Valley’s single man advantage in the stanza had absolutely nothing going on.
In the 2nd period the officials tried to keep things even in the penalty department — it was two power play chances each past the midway point — but had no choice in calling a Coachella Valley too-many-men-on-the-ice penalty at 14:22. By then Hershey had taken over dominating the chances, with Firebirds goalie Joey Daccord clearly being the difference through the first 40-minutes of the hockey game.
Bears netminder Hunter Shepard didn’t see too many challenges at the other end.
Shots-on-goal were up to 21-13 in favor of the Bears through two scoreless periods.
Next Goal Wins?
Entering the 3rd period it felt like one of those games where one team would score to take the lead and then hang on for dear life as their opponent furiously attempted to find the equalizer.
It wasn’t happening on Coachella’s power play. Their effort in the 3rd period at 3:56 was just as discombobulated as their earlier opportunities.
In regulation, it didn’t happen at all. This game went to overtime scoreless.
— In the end, Hershey out-shot Coachella Valley 31-21. Power plays: Firebirds 0-for-3, Bears 0-for-5
— Game-6 is scheduled for 7 pm pacific on Monday night at the Acrisure Arena in Coachella Valley. The game is sold out.
Recents:
— Kraken Daily: Hall of Fame Ballot Favorites
