Sens vs. Bears 10/22/04 Articles: Senators come from behind to beat Hershey, 3-2
October 23, 2004

Posted by: Bob Howard
Credit: Binghamton Senators.com

SENATORS COME FROM BEHIND TO BEAT HERSHEY, 3-2

The Binghamton Senators skated to their second straight victory on Friday night at the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena with a 3-2 win over division rival, the Hershey Bears.

Winger Pat Kavanagh recorded the only goal of the first period, when he put home a Chris Kelly pass at the 6:43 mark, putting the Sens up 1-0. Winger Josh Langfeld had the second assist on Kavanagh’s goal.

Hershey answered Binghamton’s goal mid-way through the second however, when center Ryan Steeves put a shot past Binghamton goaltender Ray Emery at 9:28 of the second period. Cody McCormick had the lone helper on the goal. Three minutes later, Hershey opened up a 2-1 lead with a power-play goal by defenseman Johnny Boychuk. Boychuk set up just inside the blue line and let a slap shot rip past Emery. Jeff Finger was credited with the first assist and first-year Bear, Mathieu Darche, recorded the second assist. The teams would head into the locker room with the Bears leading 2-1 after two periods of play.

Ex-Bear, Charlie Stephens, got the best of his old teammates when he put the puck past Hershey goaltender, Peter Budaj, at 3:46 of the final frame. Stephens’ goal was assisted by defenseman, Christoph Schubert. Denis Hamel would score the game-winner at the 9:50 mark of the third when he put his own rebound past a sprawled Budaj. Josh Langfeld was given the first assist on the goal, his second helper of the night, and center Jason Spezza was credited with the second assist.

The crowd was given another reason to cheer, when ex-Senator tough guy and fan favorite, Dennis Bonvie, was served with a 10-minute misconduct for “fighting off the ice,” at the 10:46 mark of the final period. Sens enforcer Brian McGrattan was involved in the incident and was also given a 10-minute misconduct.

Ray Emery played well for the Sens, stopping 31 of 33 shots in the win. Hershey goaltender Peter Budaj made 36 saves and was credited with the loss.

The Sens 0 for 4 with the man advantage tonight. Hershey scored one power-play goal, finishing the contest 1 for 6.

The B-Sens are in action at home again tomorrow night as they welcome the Hamilton Bulldogs to town. The game is scheduled for a 7:05 faceoff, with Countdown to Faceoff kicking off at 6:45 on WINR 680AM.