by Shaun Bill PEORIA, IL – The Peoria Rivermen concluded a big weekend series in front of a big Sunday crowd with a big opportunity. Instead of celebrating, though 6682 fans watched as the Rivermen playoff carriage turns into a big pumpkin, droping a 3-1 decision to the Hamilton Bulldogs. The Bulldogs brought a high energy game that the Rivermen just could not keep up with and sent the Rivermen to the showers with just 2 points during a three-game home stand. The Rivermen outworked the Hamilton Bulldogs in a furious first period. Dean Arsene keyed the first Rivermen goal by keeping the puck in the zone. He slid a quick pass to Tyson Strachan who fired a slapshot from the top of the circle toward the net, where Graham Mink was camped out. Mink tipped the puck past Hamilton Goalie Drew MacIntyre for the 1-0 lead. The Bulldogs took control of the second period, though, with three unanswered goals. The first goal came on an outside shot by Dustin Boyd as Kyle Klubertanz screened Rivermen goaltender Jake Allen at 7:42 of the period. Ryan Russell then buried a Rivermen defensive mistake at 11:42 of the second for an unassisted goal to put the Bulldogs on top 2-1. Hamilton finished the scoring when J.T. Wyman scored 13:36 into the period with Russell and Brendon Nah assisting. Hamiton outshot the Rivermen 28-27 and went one for five on the power play. Peoria was shut out in four man-advantage opportunities. Peoria has just six games left in which to sneak into a playoff spot. Contact the author: Shaun.Bill@ProHockeyNews.com
You must be logged in to post a comment.