Rochester leads the best-of-seven series 3-0
April 24, 2005 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Hamilton Bulldogs News Release
HAMILTON, ON - With three consecutive goals in the third period, the Rochester Americans defeated the Hamilton Bulldogs 4-3 on Sunday afternoon at Copps Coliseum. The Amerks now lead the best-of-seven North Division Semifinal series 3-0.
Chris Higgins scored two goals in a span of 1:52 in the first period to give the Bulldogs an early 2-0 lead. Just 1:15 into the game, Higgins took a pass from Tomas Plekanec and beat Amerks' netminder Ryan Miller low on the glove side. Then at 3:07, Higgins notched his second goal of the game and third marker of the playoffs.
Rochester cut into the Bulldogs' lead when Paul Gaustad made the score 2-1 at 6:51 of the first period. Then only 1:46 later, Jason Ward restored the Bulldogs' two-goal lead by tipping home a Jean-Philippe Cote shot from the point.
After a scoreless second period, the Americans scored three unanswered goals in the third frame to take a 4-3 lead that they would not relinquish. Jiri Novotny pulled the Amerks within a goal at 8:15 of the period. Novotny picked up a loose puck in front of the Bulldogs' net and made no mistake to make the score 3-2. Then the Amerks tied the score 3-3 at 13:20 when Brandon Smith notched his first goal of the playoffs. Jiri Novotny tallied the game-winner at the 16:40 mark and gave Rochester a stranglehold on the series.
Despite thirteen power-play opportunities in the game, neither Hamilton (0-7) nor Rochester (0-6) could muster a goal with the man-advantage.
The Bulldogs return to action on Tuesday, April 26th for Game Four of the North Division Semifinal against the Rochester Americans at Copps Coliseum. Game time is 7:00 p.m. and tickets are available for purchase at the Copps Coliseum Box Office, at all Ticketmaster outlets, by calling Ticketmaster at (905) 527-7666 or online at www.ticketmaster.ca.
American Hockey League Stories from April 24, 2005
- Chicago puts Houston on brink of elimination - Houston Aeros
- Game Five Tickets on Sale Monday - Connecticut Whale
- Rochester leads the best-of-seven series 3-0 - Hamilton Bulldogs
- Aeros try to even series today - Houston Aeros
- Gamache goal powers Admirals past Ducks in OT - Cincinnati RailRaiders
- Chicago takes 2-1 series lead - Houston Aeros
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