Rochester played host to the Hamilton Bulldogs for the first of many meetings
this season in an early evening start at the Blue Cross Arena. Both teams
appeared sluggish to open the game, however Rochester established a clear
advantage in shots on goal early on, doubling up the 'Dogs 18-9 in the opening
period. Hamilton's defense slowly came to life, however, and suffocated any
attempts by Rochester to score.

Early in the second period, Jason Ward of Hamilton took advantage of a poor
decision by Rochester netminder Ryan Miller and put the puck in a nearly open
net on a wrap around goal from the right side. Miller was caught behind his net
attempting to clear the puck when Ward took it away and shoved it into the net
before Miller could get back in place. To make matters worse, it happened on a
Rochester power-play, one of many in the evening. Ward struck again seven
minutes later while the teams were at full strength, assisted by Jani Rita.

Rochester came out strong in the opening minutes of the 3rd period, extremely
aggressive on the forecheck and making an all-out attempt to score goals. Their
attack was successful at 2:27, as Jason Botterill scored his first goal of the
season, assisted by Paul Gaustad and Radoslav Hecl. Rochester couldn't solve
the Hamilton defense again, even with numerous 5-on-3 advantages in the game,
and the 'Dogs notched an empty-net goal in the closing minutes to seal the win.
Jarrett Stoll was assisted by Fernando Pisani on the short-handed score. Ryan
Miller stopped 22 of 24 Bulldogs shots on goal for the Americans. Rochester
will attempt to turn things around when they host the Binghamton Senators this
coming Friday evening. The contest begins at 7:35pm.

Go Amerks!
Jon LeRoy, Moderator
amerks@yahoogroups.com