By Don Scott

The Hershey Bears ended a seven-game road losing streak Friday with a 2-1 win over the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, one that included killing a lengthy 5-on-3 power play late in the 2nd period.

Hershey took the lead just 5:50 into the game, when Philippe Maillet’s shot was stopped by Phantoms goalie Alex Lyon and Matt Moulson sent the rebound into the twine. Liam O’Brien recorded the secondary assist to extend his current point and assist streak to five consecutive games.

At 18:41, Andy Welinski tied it for the Phantoms when the puck deflected off the skate of Bears defenseman Tyler Lewington past goalie Vitek Vanecek, who finished the night with 25 saves.

In the second period, Joe Snively scored the eventual game-winner converting a pass from Mike Sgarbossa that beat Lyon to the glove side at 14:11. Minutes later, Shane Gersich and Beck Malenstyn were penalized 10 seconds apart after Gersich was called for delay of game and Malenstyn was whistled for an unsportsmanlike conduct, that gave the Phantoms the two-man advantage.

In the final period, Hershey played a solid defensive game and killed its fifth penalty, after Malenstyn was called for checking to the head at 5:53. Vanecek stopped five Phantoms shots in the period to help Hershey win its 10th game of the season to improve to 10-9-2-3. 

The Bears and Phantoms will meet again Saturday night on Giant Center ice with a 7 p.m. start.