AHL Rochester Americans

Hackett Shines Again in 3-1 Win over Bulldogs

March 6, 2015 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Rochester Americans News Release


(Hamilton, ON)... The Rochester Americans scored three times in the third period and rode another stellar 29-save effort from goaltender Matt Hackett as the Amerks pushed their point streak to five games with a 3-1 win over the Hamilton Bulldogs Friday at FirstOntario Centre. The win is Rochester's first against the Bulldogs in Hamilton this season and improves the Amerks' overall record to 25-29-5-1 on the year heading into next Friday's rematch with the Bulldogs.

Second-year defenseman Chad Ruhwedel led the way offensively for the Amerks, recording two points (1+1), including his first full strength goal of the season which proved to be the game-winner. He now has four points (1+3) over his last three games, including two multi-point outings over that span. Evan Rankin, appearing in his 400th professional game tonight, and Justin Mercier also contributed goals in the win while Hackett, who was making his fifth straight start, made 29 saves on 30 shots to up his season record to 7-4-3.

Greg Pateryn notched the lone goal for the Bulldogs while veteran netminder Joey MacDonald finished with 27 saves in the losing effort.

While the first period may have lacked the scoring, the Amerks and Bulldogs certainly made up for it in shots as the two teams combined for 26 during a back-and-forth opening frame. Rochester carried the momentum in the early goings of the contest and nearly grabbed the lead when Kevin Sundher's no-look, spinning back-hander snuck by MacDonald, but couldn't beat the post.

Minutes later, Hamilton had its best chance of the period from team captain Gabriel Dumont, but his bid from the right side also hit the post, which deservingly received a tap of thanks from a very grateful Hackett as the Amerks were able to clear the puck of harm's way.

Despite another scoreless middle frame, the chances were again not at a minimum for either side. Michael Bournival set up Christian Thomas for a one-timer opportunity from the right circle that was thwarted by Hackett. MacDonald then followed up with a timely left pad save on a point-blank chance from William Carrier to deny the rookie forward of his eighth goal of the season.

After more than 41 minutes of scoreless play, and a disallowed Hamilton goal, Rochester eventually broke the stalemate just 1:42 into the third period as Rankin steered in a centering feed from Allan McPherson to make it a 1-0 game.

Rankin's advantage would be short-lived, however, as the Bulldogs evened things up just 52 seconds later on an unassisted goal from Pateryn. A net-front battle would ultimately go in Hamilton's favor as the puck squirted loose out to Pateryn, who stepped into a slap-shot that found its way through traffic and past Hackett for the equalizer.

The Amerks regained the lead later in the frame when Ruhwedel swatted home his eighth of the season off a Sundher rebound in front of MacDonald. MacDonald was able to turn aside Sundher's initial offering from the high slot, but Ruhwedel, who shifted down from the right point, capitalized on the second try to put Rochester ahead 2-1. The goal marked Ruhwedel's first this season that hasn't come on the power-play.

Hamilton pulled MacDonald with 1:28 remaining in third period and Mercier iced the game into the empty net with eight seconds to spare.

The Amerks and Bulldogs will have another go-around a week from tonight when the home-and-home series shifts back to Rochester on Friday, March 13 for a North Division showdown at The Blue Cross Arena. The 7:05 p.m. contest will be the ninth of 10 meetings between the two teams this season and will be carried live on FOX Sports 1280 Rochester. The game will also be televised live on Time Warner Cable SportsChannel 26 and on 323 for viewers in the Buffalo market.

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