WILKES-BARRE, Pa. – The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins found themselves down early in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinal and were never able to catch up as the Manchester Monarchs took a 2-1 decision to claim the series, 4-1, and move on to the next round of the Calder Cup Playoffs.
Previously 6-0 this postseason when scoring first, the Monarchs found the back of the net just 2:01 into the opening period when Sean Backman intercepted a clearing attempt on the left wall of the Penguins zone and fed Adrian Kempe in the low slot for a quick backhand shot past goalie Matt Murray.
Though Wilkes-Barre/Scranton would have the possession advantage for the remaining time in the first, Manchester wase opportunistic in doubling its lead with 5:03 left until the first intermission. Gathering a loose puck at center, Sean Backman drove down the far wing before dropping a pass at the faceoff dot that Nick Shore whipped inside the right post.
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Following the goal, Jeff Zatkoff would come into the game in relief of Murray, who turned aside 4-of-6 shots.
The 2-0 lead for Manchester held until 1:17 remained in the second as a set face-off play helped the Penguins cut the deficit in half. After Andrew Ebbett won the draw at the left circle, Brian Dumoulin slid a pass to Conor Sheary for a wrist shot through traffic that got by Monarchs goalie Jean-Francois Berube.
That was as close as Wilkes-Barre/Scranton would get as a frantic final two minutes of regulation in the offensive zone with the extra attacker failed to net the equalizer.
Berube made 28 saves on 29 shots to help the Monarchs reach the Conference Final for the third time in team history. Zatkoff stopped all 22 shots he faced in relief.
