The Hershey Bears are in a must-win situation as they face the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in Game Four of the Atlantic Division Semifinals tonight (May 7) at GIANT Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The Bears trail 2-1 in the best-of-five series and need a victory to avoid elimination.
In the previous game, the Bears fought back from a 2-0 deficit to lead 3-2 but ultimately lost 4-3 in overtime. The game-winning goal by Penguins winger Rutger McGroarty sparked controversy among fans, who threw debris onto the ice in protest. Despite the uproar, video replays confirmed the puck had indeed crossed the line.
Bears head coach Derek King emphasized the importance of returning to their aggressive style of play. "We've got nothing to lose. We just got to go out and play, leave it all on the ice for three periods," King said. Captain Aaron Ness echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for a short memory and focusing on the upcoming game.
The Bears are seeking to extend their playoff run and avoid an early exit. Fans attending the game will receive a fan clapper, courtesy of Penn State Health, Pepsi, and Shippensburg University. Tickets for the game can be purchased online.