'Dogs Double Up Amerks to Take 3-2 Series Lead
April 26, 2007 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Hamilton Bulldogs News Release
ROCHESTER, NY - Danny Groulx scored his first goal as a Bulldog and Eric Manlow notched the game-winning tally in the second period as the Hamilton Bulldogs doubled up the Rochester Americans 4-2 in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series. The Bulldogs now lead the best-of-seven North Division Semi-final series 3-2.
The teams exchanged goals in the first period. Rochester opened the scoring when Dylan Hunter chipped in his first goal of the playoffs on a rebound at the 4:34 mark. Corey Locke responded for Hamilton at 11:44 of the frame to make the score 1-1 with his fourth tally of the series. Locke's pass across the Amerks' goalmouth bounced off of netminder Craig Anderson and into the back of the net.
The Americans took a 2-1 lead at 14:10 of the first period when Mancari's low shot from the left face-off circle beat Bulldogs goalkeeper Carey Price. Stefan Meyer and Jeremy Swanson earned assists on the goal.
Defenceman Danny Groulx, who was goalless with 16 assists in 58 games in the regular season, scored his first goal as a Bulldog with only 15 seconds remaining in the opening stanza. On a 5-on-3 power play, Groulx took a pass in the slot and buried a high shot past Anderson to even the score 2-2.
Hamilton took its first and only lead of the game at 3-2 when veteran forward Eric Manlow stuffed home his first goal of the post-season. Manlow's goal, the eventual game-winner, was scored with only 1:32 to go in the second frame after the Bulldogs had killed off three-straight penalties.
Maxim Lapierre potted an empty-net insurance marker with 1:01 left in the third period to seal the 4-2 victory for the Bulldogs. Duncan Milroy registered his second assist of the night on the goal.
Between the pipes, Price made 30 saves on 32 shots and picked up the win for Hamilton, while Rochester's Anderson turned aside 36 of the 39 shots he faced in a losing effort.
The Bulldogs were 1-for-5 on the power play while the Americans went 0-for-6 with the man advantage.
The 'Dogs and Amerks return to action on Saturday, April 28th at Copps Coliseum in Game 6 of the series at 7:00 p.m. Tickets for Game 6 of the North Division Semi-final tilt are on sale now at the Copps Coliseum Box Office, all other Ticket Master Outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.ca, or through charge by phone at 905-527-7666. For Season Ticket Holders, Game 6 will be Round 1, Home Game C. Fans can listen to the game on the flagship station of the Hamilton Bulldogs Hockey Network, 820 CHAM "The Legend," beginning with the Park's Furniture Pre-Game Show at 6:30 p.m. Fans can also listen or watch at www.hamiltonbulldogs.com by clicking on the 'B2 Networks' or '820 CHAM' icon on the 'Dogs website.
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