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Late heroics lift Flames past Bulldogs

March 20, 2009 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Abbotsford Heat News Release


In their final out-of-division game of the season, the Flames earned a 2-1 overtime decision vs. the Hamilton Bulldogs on Friday at the i wireless Center. Kris Chucko scored with just 59 seconds left in regulation before Anders Eriksson netted the overtime game-winning goal. Leland Irving also stood tall as he stopped 28 shots to earn the win.

Hamilton's Sergei Kostitsyn scored the only goal of the opening period. He scored on a chance from the doorstep just past the midway point of the opening frame. The Flames would rally to outshoot Hamilton 15-8 in the opening period but could not beat Marc Denis in the opening frame.

The teams skated scoreless through the second period. Quad City tested Denis 12 times while enjoying four power-plays including two 5-on-3 advantages. Denis held the Flames attack at bay in the period. Leland Irving stopped a dozen shots of his own to keep the Flames within one goal after 40 minutes.

While battling to tie the game in the third period, the Flames ran into penalty trouble and were forced to kill off four Hamilton power play. Quad City survived this challenging stretch and limited the Bulldogs to just nine third period shots. With just 1:38 left in regulation, the Flames began their eighth power play of the night. To begin the man advantage, Ryan McGill pulled Irving in favor of the extra attacker. The Flames were able to convert during the 6-on-4 as Kris Chucko netted his 22nd goal with just 59 seconds left in regulation.

The late tally by Chucko set up a dramatic overtime. Anders Eriksson scored the first even strength overtime goal in Flames history when he lifted Kris Chucko's rebound into the Hamilton net for a 2-1 win.

The Flames visit Des Moines on Saturday for a 7:05 p.m. face-off with the Iowa Chops. The radio broadcast begins at 6:40 p.m. with The Hayman's Ace Hardware Pre-Game Show on 93.9 FM WYEC. Fans can also watch the game live for just $6.00 at ahllive.com.

The Flames return to home ice on Wednesday to face the Chicago Wolves. Game time is 7:05 p.m. Tickets are available now at the i wireless Center Box Office, via phone at 1-800-745-3000 or on-line at ticketmaster.com.



American Hockey League Stories from March 20, 2009


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