The Hamilton Bulldogs are in Toronto to take on the Marlies in a boxing day matinee at the Air Canada Centre. The Marlies have really been pushing this game so they expect a pretty big crowd on hand for the matchup between the QEW Rivals.
The Marlies (17-9-1-1) have won 4 of their last 5 games, and won their last 2 games before the holiday break 4-1 and 4-2. Toronto sits 3 points out of 1st place in the Western Conference, with 2 games in hand. Keith Aucoin (6 goals, 24 assists) leads the team in scoring. Ryan Hamilton boasts an impressive 24.5% shooting percentage, with 12 goals and 6 assists on the season.
The Bulldogs (10-14-1-2) are the complete opposite of the Marlies. They have lost their last 4 games, scoring only 9 goals over that span while allowing 15. Brendan Gallagher leads the team in points with 9 goals, 8 assists. He scored 2 goals last week, both in losing efforts.
The Bulldogs really need to turn things around. The playoff window is already closing for them with such a poor record. The Bulldogs have shown improvement lately, but they will need to play well consistently if they want to have any shot at making the post-season. A win in front of a big crowd on the road could very well start the change.
Todays game starts at 1:00PM EST and you can watch it live on Sportsnet One, or listen to it here.
