The Hershey Bears have once again captured the hearts of hockey fans with a thrilling Game 5 performance in the 2025 Atlantic Division Semifinals. Their resilience and strategic gameplay have not only extended their postseason but also cemented their status as one of the most formidable teams in the AHL. In this article, we break down the highlights, analyze what led to their success, and preview what’s next for this storied franchise.

Hershey Bears celebrate after a big playoff victory at Giant Center during the 2025 AHL playoffs.

A Nail-Biting Series: Hershey Bears vs. Lehigh Valley Phantoms

The Hershey Bears faced their Pennsylvania rivals, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, in a winner-take-all Game 5 at the Giant Center. The series was intense from the start. Each team traded wins, making every game crucial. The Bears staged a remarkable comeback after falling behind in the series, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

A standout 6-4 victory in Game 4 set the tone, as Coach Todd Nelson made bold lineup changes, including starting Clay Stevenson in net. Stevenson delivered with 28 saves, leading Hershey to an essential win (read more at fox43.com).

Key Factors Behind the Bears' Success

Strategic Lineup Adjustments

Coach Nelson didn't shy away from making big moves. He dressed seven defensemen and revitalized the power play by inserting Brad Hunt, who made an immediate impact. Veteran forward Mike Sgarbossa was replaced with Garrett Roe, and the changes paid off quickly.

Power Play Breakthrough

The Hershey Bears struggled on the power play early in the series but turned things around in Game 4, capitalizing on three of eight opportunities. This was the first time since October 2024 that Hershey scored three power-play goals in a single game. Pierrick Dubé emerged as a clutch performer, scoring his first two playoff goals of the season during this critical win.

Resilience Under Pressure

When facing elimination, Hershey has a proven track record. Their experience in high-stakes games showed once again. As detailed on TheAHL.com, the Bears have consistently found ways to rally, especially on home ice at Giant Center. Their all-time record in winner-take-all games is impressive, with victories echoing throughout their long playoff history.

Star Performers and Team Leaders

Alex Limoges continued his strong postseason run, scoring points in all four games of the series and extending his playoff streak dating back to last year's Calder Cup Finals. Goaltender Clay Stevenson stepped up when called upon, while Pierrick Dubé’s knack for delivering in series-clinching games gave the Bears an extra spark. These players exemplified Hershey's depth and determination.

For more in-depth analysis, visit the coverage on PennLive.

What’s Next for the Hershey Bears?

With their Game 5 victory, the Bears advance to the Atlantic Division Finals, where they will face another tough opponent. Their power play is gaining momentum, and their penalty kill has been rock-solid throughout the series. The lessons learned and confidence earned from this hard-fought win will serve them well as they chase another Calder Cup championship.

Fans can catch upcoming games live and follow the Bears' quest for glory. Stay tuned for more updates as the playoffs continue. For schedules and full playoff coverage, consult the official AHL playoff reports.

Conclusion

The Hershey Bears demonstrated remarkable grit, teamwork, and tactical savvy in their playoff showdown with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Their Game 5 triumph is a testament to the franchise’s playoff pedigree and the unwavering support from fans in Hershey. As the Bears push toward another Calder Cup title, their legacy as a premier AHL franchise continues to grow.

Join the conversation and cheer on the Bears as they advance further into the postseason. Go Bears!