Bulldogs clinch playoff spot despite loss in Winnipeg

By Garry McKay
HAMILTON SPECTATOR

The Hamilton Bulldogs won by losing Friday night.

The Dogs dropped a 2-1 decision in overtime to the Manitoba Moose in Winnipeg but the single point was good enough to clinch a playoff berth for Hamilton.

That’s because the Syracuse Crunch dropped a 4-1 decision at home to San Antonio earlier.

It will be the Dogs first trip to the American Hockey League playoffs in two years. In fact their last playoff game, two series ago, was their victory in game five of the Calder Cup championship that brought the city its first hockey tile.

The Dogs first round opponent has still yet to be determined. They could meet either the Moose or the Grand Rapids Griffins.

Ryan Russell’s 17th goal of the year at 9:21 of the first period gave the Dogs a lead they held until 1:42 of the third. That’s when Jason Krog scored the equalizer for the Moose on a power play.

The Dogs got it to overtime to get the point they needed to clinch a playoff berth but lost the game on a goal by Nolan Baumgartner at 1:48.

Hamilton outshot Manitoba 36-20. Cory Schneider picked up the win. Marc Denis was the loser.
The Bulldogs and Moose go at it again Sunday in Winnipeg at 3 p.m.

Notes: Ben Maxwell is the Bulldogs winner of the American Specialty/AHL Man of the Year award for his community work. He’s now one of 29 finalists for the AHL’s Yannick Dupre Award.

There was a scary moment Friday night in Norfolk when referee Chris Cozzan had his throat accidentally slashed by the skate of Norfolk right winger Radek Smolenak. Cozzan was taken to hospital bleeding profusely.

In that same game Grand Rapids left winger Ryan Oulahen suffered a broken femur in his leg.