AHL Eastern Conference Final Game 7 Preview l Cleveland Monsters vs. Hershey Bears

Photo by Travis Boyd/Special to the Daily News

Not Done Yet! (3)

A historical comeback has occurred, with the Cleveland Monsters tying the series 3-3 after being down 3-0 with their backs against the wall against the defending Calder Cup Champions, the Hershey Bears. In Game 6, the Monsters staged a late come-from-behind victory after falling down 2-1 with just 50 seconds left in regulation, on a goal from Joe Snively. Captain Brendan Gaunce tied the game at 2-2 with an unexpected shot that snuck past Hunter Shepard, Hershey’s goaltender. The game went into overtime, and Jake Christiansen, playing his first game back since injury, scored a screened goal to force a Game 7. Hershey’s performance has been a complete meltdown, and the Monsters deserve credit for outplaying them in every aspect of the game and coming back from the “depths”.

Game 6 Highlights:

There Will Be a Game 7!

Game Seven, the most thrilling two words in hockey, will take place in Hershey, PA at the guaranteed sold-out Giant Center on Wednesday night at 7:00 PM. The winner of this game will advance to face the Coachella Valley Firebirds in the Calder Cup Final, which is likely to begin this coming weekend. It will be a quick turnaround for the ECF champion. The Monsters currently have the momentum and must maintain their strong defense, supported by their future star goaltender, Jet Greaves, who has been making crucial saves in this series. Their offensive prowess has shown to be lethal in the latter part of this series, but they must also continue to excel in killing off penalties.

As for the Bears, they need to regroup quickly as the momentum is currently in Cleveland’s favor. They possess undeniable offensive power, but they must bring their best game to Game 7. Their goalie, Hunter Shepard, needs to deliver his top performance of the playoffs if they want to advance as well. This ECF series has been extraordinary, and it’s sure to culminate in a Game 7, something that all hockey fans should be thrilled about!

Game Winning Call – Game 6 OT Winner

Monsters Can Make History:

The Game 6 loss for Hershey was their first at home this postseason, as they now have a 6-1 record at the Giant Center. The Cleveland Monsters have become the fifth AHL team in history to send a series to a Game 7 after being down 3-0. They can make AHL history if they are to pull off a win on Wednesday night in Hershey.

Players to Watch (Cleveland):

Brendan Gaunce (Captain): 3 Goals, 2 Assists (5 Points) – 2024 Calder Cup Playoffs
Justin Pearson: 2 Goals, 10 Assists (12 Points) – 2024 Calder Cup Playoffs
Jet Greaves: 8-4 Record, 27 GA, 2.12 GAA, 0.928 Save % – 2024 Calder Cup Playoffs

Players to Watch (Hershey):

Hendrix Lapierre: 4 Goals, 10 Assists (14 Points) – 2024 Calder Cup Playoffs
Ethen Frank: 9 Goals, 3 Assists (12 Points) – 2024 Calder Cup Playoffs
Hunter Shepard: 9-4 Record, 29 GA, 2.19 GAA, 0.916 Save % – 2024 Calder Cup Playoffs

Where to Listen/Watch:

Cleveland (Away) Audio: Fox Sports 1350 The Gambler – All Bets Are On (iheart.com)
Hershey (Home) Audio: ♫ Fox Sports 1460 | Harrisburg – All Sports. All the Time. (iheart.com)
AHL TV: AHLTV
NHL Network
CW 43 WUAB

Matthew Buhrmann

Writer at Inside the Rink l Covering Cincinnati Cyclones l Student @uofcincy l @Mbuhrmann61 on socials

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