ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Rochester Americans forward Evan Rankin had two goals and an assist to lift the Amerks (26-33-5-1) to a 3-2 overtime win over the Hamilton Bulldogs (31-25-11-0) on Friday evening at Blue Cross Arena in Rochester, N.Y.
Rankin opened the scoring at 8:43 of the first period when he banged a rebound past Hamilton goaltender Mike Condon. Defenceman Drew Bagnall and forward Jordan Samuels-Thomas collected assists on the play. 
The Americans took a 2-0 lead on the power play just over five minutes into the middle frame when forward Dan Catenacci fired home a one-timer. Rankin and defenceman Jerome Leduc had assists.
Hamilton forward Charles Hudon got the ‘Dogs on the board at 7:20 of the third period with a sweet deke and backhand that beat Rochester goaltender Anthony Peters for his 15th goal of the season. Assists on the play went to defenceman Bryan Allen and forward Eric Tangradi.
With Condon on the bench for an extra attacker and six forwards on the ice in an effort to even the score, Tangradi tied the game at the 18:56 mark of the third period when he tipped home a shot by forward T.J. Hensick for his 12th goal of the season. Forward Sven Andrighetto drew a second assist.
Two minutes and 39 seconds into overtime, Rankin put a wrist shot from the slot past Condon to win it for the Amerks, 3-2. Leduc had the only assist.
Condon made 21 saves on 24 shots for the Bulldogs in the loss, while Peters stopped 36 of 38 shots for the Americans in the win.
Rochester went 0-for-1 with a man advantage, while Hamilton didn’t see a power play.
Despite the overtime loss, the Bulldogs remain in the eighth and final playoff spot in the American Hockey League’s Western Conference. Dan Lawrie Insurance Premium Player of the Game (Hardest Working Player): Charles Hudon
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