Rochester Leads AHL North Division Semifinal 2-0
April 23, 2005 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Hamilton Bulldogs News Release
ROCHESTER, NY - Despite outshooting the Americans 35-23, the Hamilton Bulldogs lost 2-1 to Rochester on Friday night at the Blue Cross Arena. The Amerks now lead the AHL North Division Semi-Finals 2-0.
The Bulldogs opened the scoring exactly two minutes into the hockey game. Forward Tomas Plekanec dove and poked a pass over an Amerks defender at centre ice, which sent Chris Higgins on a breakaway. Higgins skated in all alone and beat goaltender Ryan Miller with a high wrist shot into the top corner of the Amerks net.
Hamilton had a strong first period as they out shot the Amerks by a 13-6 margin.
Just 2:20 into the second period and the Amerks Paul Gaustad evened the score 1-1, by earning his third goal of the playoffs on the power play. Gaustad was parked in front of the Bulldogs net and redirected a Chris Taylor centering pass from the corner. Derek Roy picked up the other assist on the play.
Rochester went ahead 2-1 at 10:15 when Thomas Vanek collected the puck in the corner, drove to the slot, and fired a low shot into the bottom right corner of the net. Taylor collected his second assist of the game on Vanek's first goal of the post season.
Between the pipes, Bulldogs goaltender Yann Danis made 21 saves on 23 shots in a losing effort. Ryan Miller picked up his second win and stopped 34 of the 35 shots he faced for the Amerks.
The Bulldogs next action will take place on Sunday, April 24th, as they will host the Rochester Americans in Game #3 of the AHL North Division Semifinal. Game time is 4:00 p.m. at Copps Coliseum. Bulldogs fans can purchase tickets at the Copps Coliseum Box Office, at all Ticketmaster outlets, online at ticketsmaster.ca, or by calling Ticketmaster at 905-527-7666.
American Hockey League Stories from April 23, 2005
- Clarke Nets Game Winner; Monarchs Even Series With the B's - Manchester Monarchs
- Phantoms defeat Norfolk 3-0 in Game Two of division semifinals - Adirondack Phantoms
- Monarchs even series - Providence Bruins
- Dallas Stars Coaching Clinics a Tremendous Success - Iowa Chops
- Ducks sign C Ryan Getzlaf to amateur tryout contract - Cincinnati RailRaiders
- Aeros host Game 3 tonight; Rally towels to first 3,000 - Houston Aeros
- Leafs rebound to tie series - Manitoba Moose
- Rochester Leads AHL North Division Semifinal 2-0 - Hamilton Bulldogs
- Ducks Stepp past Milwaukee double OT - Cincinnati RailRaiders
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.
