HERSHEY, Pa. — The Hershey Bears are looking to take care of business tomorrow night.
After their 5-1 win on Saturday night, the Bears now lead the Lehigh Valley Phantoms 2-0 in their five-game playoff series. Hershey needs just one more win to advance to the next round of the Calder Cup playoffs.
The team took home the Calder Cup last year.
"So the target's on their back," Zack Fisch, voice of the Bears, said. "Coming into this series against Lehigh Valley, physical team. The Bears played well--home ice advantage, sold-out crowd on Saturday."
The teams are headed to Allentown to continue their battle. If the Bears win one more game, they advance. If Lehigh is able to force a Game 5, that match will take place back on the Bears' home ice at the GIANT Center.
Fisch says the Bears' series lead is thanks in large part to goalie Hunter Shepard. He was MVP of the playoffs last year and is outstanding goaltender of the year in the American Hockey League this year.
"Goaltending in the playoffs is even bigger than ever," Fisch said. "If you're a fan of any sport, obviously all the pressure's on the pitcher in baseball, the quarterback in football. Goaltending--it's just like that."
Fisch says the Bears have seen record-setting attendance for first two games of the playoff series. A sold-out crowd packed the arena for Game 2. It was the largest Game 1 or Game 2 crowd the team has ever seen.
"The buzz is there about the Bears right now," Fisch said. "The Bears, we know, have the best fans in the league."
Fisch says if Hershey is able to advance, they will likely take on Providence or Hartford in the Atlantic Division final.
"Hopefully we take care of business tomorrow night in Allentown, and then we can really be watching," Fisch said.
The Hershey Bears will look to get their third win and close the series on Wednesday, May 8 at the PPL Center in Allentown. The puck drops at 7 p.m. Those wanting to watch from home can catch the game on FOX43.2 antennaTV.