An excerpt from the Hamilton Spectator article by Garry McKay:

“I thought I’d played well the last couple of games and it was just building up to tonight,” said Pacioretty. “This was, obviously, the best game of the year I’ve had, so this is a really good feeling.

“I think my game will only get better from here.”

And that’s what Bulldogs coach Don Lever is counting on.

“He’s really been pressing and he’s been a pretty frustrated kid,” said Lever. “This was by far his best game of the year, even without the puck and his work ethic. Hopefully, he can keep that going.”