The Hershey Bears took a definitive three games to two lead over the Texas Stars with a 2-1 overtime victory in game five of the Calder Cup Finals tonight at Cedar Park Center. Tonight’s win was their third consecutive in Texas to take the series lead.
The Bears fell behind early as Aaron Gagnon of the Stars earned a goal in the first period, but the Bears fought back and tied the game halfway through the second period with a goal from Francois Bouchard. That’s how the score remained through the end of regulation.
The real stars tonight were goalkeeper Michal Neuvirth, who made several key saves to keep the Bears in the game, and left wing Alexandre Giroux who added the game winner in overtime. The goal was Giroux’s 14th of the playoffs.
The Bears will have a chance to close out the series and win their second straight Calder Cup at home on Monday night.