The Hamilton Bulldogs staged a valiant third period comeback, but ultimately fell short as they lose 7-5 to the Owen Sound Attack.
Offense
The Hamilton Bulldogs, for the most part, a difficult game offensively. The most prolific offense in the OHL going to this game had a tough time maintaining control of the puck. Furthermore, the ability to pass the puck effectively was not solid, let alone it was ineffective at times. There were turnovers early on, but were minimized in the final twenty. The power play unit had a great start, but were restrained to capitalize (especially a double minor in the second). Despite the noticeable errors, the Bulldogs still managed to score five goals, and forcing the Owen Sound Attack to switch goalies.
Hamilton Forwards Matthew Strome, Trent Fox, and Michael Crammerosa contributed significantly to the cause. Defenseman Justin Lemcke also scored an important goal to cut the deficit late in the second period. Reigning OHL player of the week Matt Luff was cooled off, but managed to contribute an assist in this game.
Defense
Regarding the Hamilton Bulldogs defense and goaltending in the first period, it was a mess. The unit was unprepared and overwhelmed by the fury Owen Sound Attack offense delivered in the first period. The home team outshot the Bulldogs 22-7 in the first twenty minutes. Goaltender Cole Ceci, making first ever OHL start in net, was being thrown into the gauntlet, and eventually was pulled during the first intermission in favour of Kaden Fultcher. Speaking of Fultcher, he continued to play well in net, stopping 23 out of 25 shots in net. With Fultcher in net, the Bulldogs defense got better, and significantly slimmed down the amount of shots allowed (14 in the second, 11 in the third) from the second period onward. The penalty kill unit was excellent once again, but the Bulldogs defense needs to toughen up their discipline and physicality as they got outhit by the more effective Owen Sound squad.
The next game for the Hamilton Bulldogs is on Friday as they travel to Storm City as they take on the Guelph Storm (formerly Dukes of Hamilton and Toronto Marlboros).
