Monsters Dominate Bears to Force Game 6 in Eastern Conference Finals
Captain Brendan Gaunce led the Cleveland Monsters to a 5-1 victory over the Hershey Bears in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals, extending the series and forcing a sixth game in Hershey. Gaunce scored two goals during a four-goal second period rally, while Josh Dunne also contributed with two goals.
The Monsters have now won two consecutive games while facing elimination, narrowing the series gap to 3-2 in favor of the Bears. Alex Whelan extended his point-scoring streak to seven games with a goal, and Justin Pearson and Marcus Björk each recorded two assists in the victory.
Goalie Jet Greaves made 33 saves on the night for Cleveland, limiting the Bears to just one goal. Hunter Shepard of the Bears struggled, allowing four goals on 20 shots before being replaced by Clay Stevenson in the third period.
The attendance at the game was 13,159, marking the sixth time the Monsters have drawn a crowd of over 10,000 fans during the postseason.
The series will now head back to Hershey for Game 6 on Monday, with Game 7 scheduled for Wednesday if necessary.
Game Results:
Game 1 – Thu., May 30 – HERSHEY 5, Cleveland 4 (OT)
Game 2 – Sat., June 1 – HERSHEY 3, Cleveland 2 (OT)
Game 3 – Tue., June 4 – Hershey 6, CLEVELAND 2
Game 4 – Thu., June 6 – CLEVELAND 3, Hershey 2
Game 5 – Sat., June 8 – CLEVELAND 5, Hershey 1
Game 6 – Mon., June 10 – Cleveland at Hershey, 7:00
*Game 7 – Wed., June 12 – Cleveland at Hershey, 7:00
*if necessary… All times Eastern