Photo: Bruce Bennett / Getty Images Sport / Getty Images
The Hershey Bears are in a challenging position, trailing 0-2 in the Atlantic Division Finals against the Charlotte Checkers. After two road losses, the Bears must win the next three games at home to keep their season alive. Game Three is scheduled for Wednesday (May 21) at GIANT Center.
The Bears, who are the defending back-to-back Calder Cup champions, entered the series as the No. 1 seed in the Atlantic Division. However, they lost the first two games in Charlotte, with special teams playing a significant role in the outcomes. Hershey allowed a shorthanded goal in a 3-2 loss during Game One, highlighting their struggles on the power play. Head Coach Todd Nelson mentioned, "The difference in the game was special teams, they scored a power-play goal, and they got a shorthanded goal" according to PennLive.
The series now shifts to Hershey, where the Bears have a chance to turn things around. They have a history of success at GIANT Center, having won three of their four regular-season meetings against the Checkers there. The Bears' top players, including Bogdan Trineyev, who has been a standout in the playoffs, need to step up. Trineyev has scored four goals and provided one assist in six postseason games this year.
Hershey's defense could see a boost with the potential return of Ethan Bear, an AHL All-Star, who recently rejoined the team after the Washington Capitals' playoff run ended. The Bears must improve their special teams and capitalize on power-play opportunities to have a chance at advancing to the Calder Cup Finals.