Power play goals and championship swagger proved to be too much for the Albany River Rats in the East Division semi-finals. HERSHEY finished off the Rats in five games Wednesday night at the Glens Falls Civic Center 4-2 to advance to the East Division Finals.

The BEARS fired 10 shots in the first period against Albany backstop Tyler Weiman, scoring late in the period at 16:37. Joey Tenute rifled a shot into the top left corner of the net for his third goal of the postseason, with assists from Tomas Fleischmann and Tyler Sloan. The Rats generated only one shot officially on goal on two first period power plays, and fired just five shots total against Frederic Cassivi in the first 20 minutes.

While Albany controlled some tempo early in the second period, the Rats were unable to score, and the BEARS struck again late in the stanza to take a 2-0 lead. Tomas Fleischmann scored his second goal of the playoffs at 17:16, just prior to Albany captain Keith Aucoin taking a five-minute high sticking major at 18:20. The BEARS entered the third period with a 2-0 lead, and Aucoin in the box for another 3:20.

 HERSHEY blew the game open early in the third period with the man advantage. Scott Barney scored his third goal of the playoffs just 23 seconds in before Mike Green scored his third of the postseason at 2:51. Albany made a run midway through the third period, scoring twice in just 39 seconds. Jakub Petruzalek scored at 9:31 before Shane Willis squeaked one through at 10:10. The Rats would score no more, and the BEARS advance to the East Division Finals. Cassivi won all four games in the series as HERSHEY won its 11th game against Albany this season in 13 decisions.

Notes: HERSHEY’S lineup for Game 5 was the same lineup featured in Game 4, the first time in the series that no changes were made by Bruce Boudreau. The team left after the game in Glens Falls for home, and was scheduled to arrive back at GIANT Center early Thursday morning. Tickets are on sale now for HERSHEY’S next home playoff game by calling (717) 534-3911 or by visiting the GIANT Center box office. Dates and times for 2007 East Division Finals with either Norfolk or Wilkes-Barre/Scranton will be announced when the series with the Penguins and Admirals concludes. Kyle Wilson entered Game 5 tied for second in the AHL in playoff scoring with six points, while Scott Barney was tied for third. Chris Bourque entered play Wednesday tied for first in shots on goal.