The Atlantic Division-winning Hershey Bears stifled the upstart Portland Pirates on Saturday night, with goaltender Justin Peters posting a 19-save shutout in the 2-0 win that extended the series to a decisive fifth game.
Hershey scored both of its goals in a dominant first period while limiting the Pirates to just 4 shots in the opening frame.
Travis Boyd got the game’s first goal at the 12:51 mark, with the assists going to Jakub Vrana and Tyler Lewington.
An interference call on Jonathan Racine led to the second Bears goal at the 16:23 mark. AHL-leadng scorer Chris Bourque bagged his first of the series from Carter Camper and Aaron Ness.
Defenseman Mike Matheson led Portland, who went 0-for-3 on the power play, with 3 shots on goal.
Pirates netminder Mike McKenna finished with 26 saves in the loss.
Game 5 will be played in Hershey at Giant Center at 5 p.m. this afternoon.