The Lehigh Valley Phantoms caught the Hershey Bears scrambling in their defensive zone during a delayed penalty and Rhett Gardner scored in front of the net, giving the Phantoms what could have been a deflating 1-0 lead 9:01 into the first period of Game 4.
Unlike in Game 3, however, the Bears answered immediately. Ivan Miroshichenko scored his first career Calder Cup Playoffs goal 17 seconds later to tie. Miro was sprung by a breakout pass by defenseman Chase Priskie from behind the net and a tie-up along the boards by Mike Vecchione.
Catching the puck clean as it bounced off the sideboards, Miroshnichenko raced in all alone on Cal Petersen and beat the Phantoms goaltender with Alex Ovechkin’s shootout move, teasing forehand before scoring on his backhand.
The Russian rookie added another goal 2:36 in the second period to give the Bears their first lead of the night, 3-2. Miroshnichenko skated the puck toward the slot and beat Petersen with a wicked wrist shot short side.
The Phantoms battled into the 3rd period and the night. But just didn’t have enough to beat Shepherd or the Bears. Falling 5-3 and losing the Atlantic Division Semifinals series 3-1. The Phantoms had their chances in this one many. With about 9 minutes remaining in the game and trailing 4-3. The Phantoms went on the power play and dominated zone time spending 1:47 out of 2:00 minutes of power play time on the Bears’s end. They peppered Bears goalie Shepard with everything they had but could not break through.
Phantoms Cal Peterson while staked to an early 2-1 lead surrounded 4 goals on 10 Bears first-period shots. He did make many stellar saves as the game wore on.
Matt Bednarczyk is your host of Talking Philly Sports With Matty B. He is a proud retired US Army Sergeant First Class, he is also a combat veteran with over 80 months served in Afganistan, and Iraq . Huge Hockey Fan. Matt is a lifelong 4 for 4 Philly sports fan. Born and raised on the Mayfair and Tacony neighborhood lines of Northeast Philly. He brings over 40 years of Philadelphia Sports passion and provides a realistic look at our Major Sports Teams and the most passionate sports fans on the planet. Look for his show live on Edge of Philly Sports.
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