Bulldogs Take Series Lead in Double Overtime
Published on May 2, 2003 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Hamilton Bulldogs News Release
Jani Rita scored at the 17:26 mark of the second overtime period on Friday night to give the Hamilton Bulldogs a 2-1 win over the Manitoba Moose in Game #3 of their AHL Eastern Conference Semi-Final series. The Bulldogs now lead the best-of-seven series 2-1.
The Moose opened the scoring at the 5:42 mark of the first period with a goal from Justin Morrison. Earning assists were Jason Goulet and Jimmy Roy.
The Bulldogs would even the score in the second period (6:04) as captain Benoit Gratton scored his second goal of the playoffs. Linemates Jani Rita and Jason Ward assisted on the tying goal.
Hamilton won the game in the second overtime period with Kari Haakana and Ward assisting on Rita's goal.
Goaltender Eric Fichaud earned his second overtime victory of the playoffs for the Bulldogs making 42 saves. Moose goaltender Tyler Moss stopped 49 shots in his return to the Manitoba net after suffering an injury earlier in the playoffs.
On special teams the Bulldogs were 0 for 5 on the power play, while the Moose were 0 for 6 with the man-advantage. Hamilton killed off two five-minute penalties in the game.
The game was the second longest in Bulldogs history. The longest game took place on May 1, 1999 when Chris Ferraro scored at the 17:55 mark of the second overtime period to give the Bulldogs a 3-2 victory over the Albany River Rats in Game #5 of the 1999 Calder Cup Conference Quarter-Finals.
The Bulldogs will take on the Moose in Game #4 of the AHL Eastern Conference Semi-Finals series on Sunday, May 4th at the Winnipeg Arena. Bulldogs fans can listen to Derek Wills call all the action beginning with the pre-game show at 2:40 p.m. on 820 CHAM-AM or on-line at www.hamiltonbulldogs.com.
American Hockey League Stories from May 2, 2003
- Bulldogs Take Series Lead in Double Overtime - Hamilton Bulldogs
- Griffins Sweep Defending Champion Chicago - Grand Rapids Griffins
- Sound Tigers Even Series With B-Sens - Bridgeport Islanders
- Games Six and Seven Tickets on Sale Sunday - Houston Aeros
- AHL Quick Hits - AHL
- Glenn Patrick Relieved of Head Coaching Duties - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
