BULLDOGS ALONE IN 1ST ON HAYES WINNER
HAMILTON, ONTARIO. For the first time in 48 games the Bulldogs played with their full lineup against the very defensively sound Mississauga Steelheads with top spot in the Eastern Conference on the line.
The first period both teams battled hard for possession, with the game holding the feel of a heavyweight title fight and at 6:27 Aidan Prueter took control to break the ice to put the Steelheads up 1-0 off a Bulldogs defensive zone turnover. With 3 minutes left and the Bulldogs with the man advantage, Logan Morrison went bar down for his 24th of the season from the cross-ice, spin-o-rama pass of Avery Hayes and Mason McTavish picking up the second helper to tie it up. After fighting hard to get the next goal Marco Costantini and Joe Ranger stood tall to not only keep the score tied at 1-1 but the shots tied at 8-8.
The second period the Bulldogs started with a man advantage and looked to create something spending the bulk of the powerplay in the Steelheads zone, but Ranger was able to hold the door shut with the help of some key blocks. Both teams battling things got a little tense resulting in penalties and chances for both teams on the powerplay but were still left unsuccessful thanks to the handiwork of Ranger & Costantini turning the game into a goaltender’s duel. After 40 minutes of play the game was left at a stalemate with the Bulldogs leading in shots 18-17.
To start the last 20 minutes of the game the Bulldogs were short a man for 10 seconds and were able to keep the Steelheads at bay. Nathan Staios stepping up in the play had the Bulldogs’ best early chance from the slot but Ranger who stood tall keeping the bullet shot out of the net. Lawson Sherk had a tremendous one-man effort down the ice off the pass George Diaco to in turn battle hard against Ole Bjorgvik-Holm drawing a penalty but once again Ranger and the Steelheads defense were able to parry the strike. At 18:39, with the Bulldogs shorthanded, Avery Hayes strode down the left wing side, cutting into the circle and ripping a bullet top shelf for his 31st of the season giving the Bulldogs a 2-1 lead. With the goaltender pulled and the Steelheads pressing a one-timer attempt from Owen Beck was stopped in marvelous fashion by Marco Costantini splitting post to post. A final draw with 1.0 seconds left to play, won by Jan Mysak cemented the victory and ended the night with the Bulldogs standing alone atop the Eastern Conference.
The Hamilton Bulldogs are back in action tomorrow night at 7:00 pm against the Ottawa 67s at the FirstOntario Centre.
For more information on Hamilton Bulldogs 2021-22 season tickets, flex packs or single game tickets call 905-529-8500 or visit hamiltonbulldogs.com
