Bulldogs score first against Rivermen, but fall in the shootout

Going in to last nights game the Bulldogs were 5-0 when they got the first goal. That streak was broken after the Peoria Rivermen beat the Dogs' in a shootout. On the positive side, they still haven't lost in regulation after scoring first. Negative side? They've only scored first 6 times this season.

Stefan Chaput opened the scoring 12:04 into the first period. He deflected a Nathan Beaulieu point shot passed Peoria's starting goalie Jake Allen. Chaput's goal marked his first of the season and his first as a Bulldog. The Rivermen tied it up while Mike Blunden served a penalty for goaltender interference. Derek Nesbitt teed up a slapper from the slot to beat Robert Mayer and tie the game at 1-1 after 1.

After a scoreless second Peoria scored two quick goals in the third to jump out to a 2 goal lead. Scott Ford's point shot eluded Robert Mayer, and Derek Nesbitt deflected a Mark Cundari point shot in for his second of the game. The two goals came in a span of 2 minutes and 2 seconds, scored on 2 straight shots.

Despite being down 2 the Bulldogs did not give in. Two minutes after Nesbitt's second of the game, Brendan Gallagher pounced and converted a Patrick Holland rebound for his team leading 8th of the season. The Bulldogs tied it up halfway through the period, Chaput wired a slap shot off the post and in for his second of the game. Michael Bournival and new alternate captain Jarred Tinordi were awarded assists on the play.

The rest of the frame and overtime went by scoreless. In the shootout the Rivermen bested the Bulldogs by a 2-1 score. Derek Nesbitt and T.J. Hensick scored for Peoria, while only Brendan Gallagher scored for the Bulldogs.

After scoring his first AHL goal on Sunday Jarred Tinordi has his first AHL point scoring streak.

Stefan Chaput's two goals continued his hot play as of late. His scoring streak dates back to December 13th and spans 4 games. In that time Chaput has 2 goals and 3 assists.

The Bulldogs will return home to host the Saint John's IceCaps on Friday. Puck drop is at 7:30pm.

Scoring Summary:

1st Period:
1. HAM – Stefan Chaput – 1 – (Nathan Beaulieu) – 12:04
2. PEO – Derek Nesbitt – 9 – (T.J. Hensick, Adam Cracknell) – 17:16 (PP)

2nd Period:
No Scoring

3rd period:
3. PEO – Scott Ford – 1 – (Mark Cundari, Jaden Schwartz) – 1:36
4. PEO – Derek Nesbitt – 10 – (Mark Cundari, Scott Ford) – 3:38
5. HAM – Brendan Gallagher – 8 – (Patrick Holland, Frederic St-Denis) – 4:53
6. HAM – Stefan Chaput – 2 – (Michael Bournival, Jarred Tinordi) – 10:52

Overtime:
No Scoring

Shootout:
Peoria Hamilton
Phil McRae No Goal Stefan Chaput No Goal
Derek Nesbitt Goal Brendan Gallagher Goal
Jaden Schwartz No Goal Gabriel Dumont No Goal
T.J. Hensick Goal Michael Bournival No Goal
Adam Cracknell No Goal Patrick Holland No Goal

Scoring:
Peoria: 1-0-2-0-1—4
Hamilton: 1-0-2-0-0—3

Shots:
Peoria: 7-11-15-2-1—36
Hamilton: 10-5-8-3-0—26

Goaltending:
Peoria: Jake Allen (W – 26 shots, 23 saves)
Hamilton: Robert Mayer (L – 35 shots, 32 saves)

Power Play:
Peoria: 1-for-3
Hamilton: 0-for-5

Attendance: 4,176

Three Star:
1. PEO- Derek Nesbitt (2 goals, 8 shots)
2. HAM- Stefan Chaput (2 goals, +2, 2 shots)
3. PEO- Scott Ford (1 goal, 1 assist, 1 shot)