Bulldogs Even Series With 3-1 Win over Heat

Published on May 2, 2010 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Abbotsford Heat News Release


HAMILTON ON - The Hamilton Bulldogs scored twice on the power play and suffocated the Heat from there, beating Abbotsford 3-1 to even up the Best of Seven North Division Final at one game apiece.

The Bulldogs came out with some urgency, but a fairly innocent play would give them a 1-0 lead. After a loose puck in the Heat zone found a way to the right point, Bulldog forward Ryan White flipped the shot towards the goal. The puck had eyes, passing thru at least five different players before hitting Heat goalie David Shantz and eluding the Heat goalie thru his gear and into the Heat net. For White, it was his third of the playoffs, and the Bulldogs had that big opening goal and a 1-0 lead.

The Heat would respond five minutes later on the power play. Jason Jaffray would redirect an Andy Delmore shot past Bulldog goalies Cedric Desjardins and into the Hamitlon goal to tie the game up at 1-1. After the play in the aftermath of the goal, Jaffray was whistled for roughing and the Bulldogs went onto a power play of their own. Late in the man advantage, Mike Glumac was able to convert a rebound after a frantic scramble in front of the Heat goal. Shantz would stop the first two shots, but Glumac's fifth of the playoffs would give the Bulldogs a 2-1 lead, which would hold up after one period of play.

In the second period, the parade to the penalty box would continue and once again the Bulldogs would strike. In a 4 on 3 power play situation, David Desharnais would convert a pass in the right faceoff circle to give his team a 3-1 lead. It would be Desharnais' first goal of the series and give his team a two goal lead after two periods.

A scoreless third period would see Hamilton only interested in keeping the puck out of their own zone. Despite their best efforts, the Heat would only be able to muster nine shots on the Bulldogs on the third period, versus just four for Hamilton. Hamilton would hang on for a 3-1 win to even the series heading back to the Fraser Valley next week.

Of note, Andy Delmore returned to action for the Heat after being out of commission for 5 weeks due to injury. Delmore played over 23 minutes in this game after seeing the Heat get hit by the injury bug yet again. Heat defender Staffan Kronwall would be hit from behind by White in the first period deep in Abbotsford territory and not return. Tyler Spurgeon would also leave the game, as Mike Glumac would fly in to the Heat centre right in front of the Bulldogs goal with a high elbow. Glumac was assessed a five minute major on the play, but not a game misconduct. Spurgeon and Kronwall did not return to action after their injuries.

These two teams will now move on to Abbotsford for three straight, beginning Tuesday night in Abbotsford.

NORTH DIVISION FINAL - ABBOTSFORD HEAT VS HAMILTON BULLDOGS (MONTREAL CANADIENS)

Game One - Thursday, April 29th - Abbotsford 3 @ Hamilton 2 (Brett Sutter - GWG)

Game Two - Sunday, May 2nd - Abbotsford 1 @ Hamilton 3 (Mike Glumac - GWG)

Game Three - Tuesday, May 4th - Hamilton @ Abbotsford - 7 PM PDT

Game Four - Thursday, May 6th - Hamilton @ Abbotsford - 7 PM PDT

Game Five - Saturday, May 8th - Hamilton @ Abbotsford - 7 PM PDT

*Game Six - Monday, May 10th - Abbotsford @ Hamilton - 7:30 PM PDT

*Game Seven - Tuesday, May 11th - Abbotsford @ Hamilton - 7:30 PM PDT

*if necessary

THE ABBOTSFORD HEAT IS IN TO THE NORTH DIVISION FINAL AND TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE FOR ALL HEAT HOME GAMES BY CALLING 1-877-452-HEAT. YOU CAN ALSO VISIT www.abbotsfordheat.com FOR ALL OF YOUR TICKETING NEEDS.

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American Hockey League Stories from May 2, 2010


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