Hamilton, Ont. – Kitchener held majority of the chances in the game, but were unable to solve Tristian Malboeuf of the Hamilton Bulldogs. Malboeuf earned a 40-save shutout to help give the Bulldogs a 4-0 victory. The game ends the Rangers three-game road trip and also marks their final visit to the FirstOntario Centre.
Despite being heavily outshot by the Rangers in the opening period, Hamilton was able to get the game’s first goal with 35 seconds left in the period. The top line of Hamilton struck as all three forwards combined on Nick Lardis’ 30th goal of the season. Hamilton led 1-0 through 20 minutes of play and shots favoured the Rangers 16-7. Kitchener was unsuccessful on two power-play attempts and Hamilton was unsuccessful on one.
Kitchener was still unable to solve Tristian Malboeuf in the second period who was perfect through 40 minutes making 25 stops. The Rangers came close with Carson Rehkopf on the doorstep for a tap-in, but the puck just hopped over his stick.
On the Rangers fourth power-play of the day, Sahil Panwar stripped the puck off aRanger forward who was trying to attack the zone and was in for a short-handed breakaway the other way. Panwar made no mistake as he wristed a shot over the glove of Marco Costantini. Hamilton doubled their lead and led 2-0 as the teams headed to the second intermission. Shots favoured the Rangers 25-16.
Hamilton scored two more times in the final period, one being an empty netter to secure a 4-0 victory over the Rangers. Final shots ended in favour of the Rangers 40-23.
Kitchener finished the game 0-for-4 on the power-play and 3-for-3 on the penalty kill. All three stars of the game were awarded to members of the Hamilton Bulldog.
Next Up: The Rangers are back for Friday night hockey at The Aud as they play host to the Owen Sound Attack. Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m. Great seats are still available here.
Photo Credit: Tiffany Luke / Kitchener Rangers
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