Hershey Bears: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly 12/3/19

HERSHEY, Pa. -- The Hershey Bears (9-9-5) managed just three of a possible six points last week, dropping a 7-6 decision in a shootout to Providence Wednesday and a 3-1 setback to Belleville Saturday before recovering for a 4-3 overtime win Sunday against Hartford on a world-record breaking Teddy Bear Toss night at Giant Center.

The Good

Christian Djoos and Beck Malenstyn returned to Hershey just in time for Sunday night’s match-up with the Hartford WolfPack and both played pivotal roles in Hershey’s 4-3 overtime victory over the Pack.

Djoos was Johnny-on-the-spot, pouncing on a loose puck for the game’s first goal, which “unleashed the fur” as Hershey fans broke their own world record with 45,650 teddy bears. “Yeah, everyone wants that goal, it’s just a really fun thing, but anyone who scores, we’re happy,” Djoos said.

45 minutes later, play resumed, but a Hartford goal from Steven Fogarty tied it before the first intermission. The teams traded goals in the second before Malenstyn put Hershey back on top in his first game back from recall, but another Fogarty goal forced the game into overtime.

In the extra frame, Brett Leason tallied his first AHL goal, sending the Hershey faithful home with a win to go along with the new World Record.

The Bad

Hershey’s defense has been faltering a bit of late. In their defense, injuries have sidelined Lucas Johansen, Bobby Nardella, and Colby Williams, and Djoos was a healthy scratch in Washington until his return on Sunday. But that said, Hershey’s issues at times with an inability to clear the puck, getting caught out of position, and taking unnecessary penalties have hurt.

“We find ways to lose games,” Carbery said. “Every different way that you can find, throw it in that bag because that’s another example...We find ways to lose hockey games.”

Note - Tyler Lewington left the ice midway through the third period Sunday night after taking a puck to his face. “I think he’s ok. I was worried a bit about a fractured jaw; you tend to see that when a puck comes up high and a guy bleeding as he comes off because that’s a long-term thing...it sounds like it’s just stitches, so that’s a positive,” Carbery said.

The Ugly

There are no two ways around it, Spencer Carbery was downright frustrated following Saturday’s 3-1 loss to the Belleville Senators.

Over the course of the first quarter, Carbery pointed out several times when players would lose focus on a shift, which would turn into a goal. Saturday night, Liam O’Brien’s major and game misconduct for boarding, followed by Erik Burgdoerfer’s minor led to a pair of Belleville goals that would become the difference in the game despite Hershey going on a 5-on-3 powerplay midway through the second period.

“It’s a 5-on-3. We get some good looks, so we have some opportunities; we hit a post...there’s another example of how we’re not finding a way to score a goal in a critical point in the game.”

Sunday's Post-Game Reaction

Head coach Spencer Carberry

On the return of Djoos and Malenstyn - “Djooser” was fantastic. Beck as well. Our PK was tested, that’s Beck’s forte, so right away he was thrown into the fire tonight. And Djoos made the teddy bear goal and then makes a heck of a play in overtime...he’s just a game-changer at this level and that was on full display today.”

On Sunday’s officiating - “That officiating was something else. I don’t know if I’ve seen a game officiated like that in a long, long time, since probably East Coast Hockey League...which is frustrating. Players want a standard, just set the standard and that’s what they’ll play to. Players are smart guys they’ll adjust to however the game’s being officiated, but it was really inconsistent tonight.”

On facing a relative unknown netminder Saturday night - “Our goaltending coach, Alex Westland, does a good job of that with digging stuff up and gives as accurate of a scouting report as he can on the young goaltender from Arizona State. We tested him early, but just not enough, not nearly enough.”

On Wednesday night’s wild 7-6 loss to Providence - “It’s a shame when it (Hershey scoring six goals) goes for nothing...we have to be smarter in a lot of situations...It’s so critical for young players to understand...players in this league are too good to let your guard down.”

Christian Djoos

Djoos on scoring the goal - “We needed two points and we’re happy to get two points. Of course it’s always fun to see the bears come down. He (Burgdoerfer) said that. I was here, I know he scored a couple of years ago. It’s great. This is my third time and it’s just as great as the first time.”

Djoos on being back in Hershey - As you said, I’m here right now. I’m trying to play my best to help the team win. I don’t think there’s a better place in the American League to be, just trying to improve everyday and try to get back in the NHL.”