After going down 3-0 in the third period, Hershey’s Alex Limoges netted the game-winner
CHARLOTTE, N.C. β Alex Limoges scored 2:21 into overtime to complete a remarkable comeback as the Hershey Bears overcame a three-goal deficit to defeat the Charlotte Checkers 4-3 at Bojangles Coliseum on Wednesday night.
The Bears, who trailed 3-0 midway through the third period, stormed back with three goals in an eight-minute span before Limoges netted the game-winner off an assist from Clay Stevenson to stun the crowd of 3,664 in Charlotte.
Charlotte appeared to be in complete control after building their lead through the first two periods. Justin Sourdif opened the scoring with a shorthanded goal at 8:07 of the first period, and Trevor Carrick doubled the advantage just over three minutes later on the power play, with assists from John Leonard and Sourdif.
Will Lockwood extended Charlotte’s lead to 3-0 at 8:29 of the second period, converting feeds from Matt Benning and Rasmus Asplund. The Checkers maintained that comfortable margin until the Bears mounted their improbable comeback in the final frame.
Aaron Ness began the rally at 7:24 of the third period, scoring his second goal of the season with assists from Matt Strome and Brennan Saulnier. Just over a minute later, Pierrick DubΓ© brought Hershey within one, notching his eighth goal of the campaign off helpers from Hardy HΓ€man Aktell and Ethan Bear.
Saulnier then tied the game at 15:26, converting passes from Strome and Vincent Iorio to force overtime. The dramatic comeback was completed when Limoges scored his seventh goal of the season in the extra session.
Despite being outshot 22-8 through two periods, the Bears found their offensive rhythm in the third period, directing 10 shots at Charlotte goaltender Chris Driedger. Hershey finished with 29 shots on goal to Charlotte’s 22.
Clay Stevenson earned the win in goal for Hershey, making 19 saves on 22 shots. Driedger stopped 25 of 29 shots in the losing effort for Charlotte.
Limoges earned first-star honors. Saulnier was named the game’s third star after registering a goal and an assist in the comeback.
