The Hamilton Bulldogs began their Calder Cup championship defense in dramatic style Sunday as Maxim Lapierre scored an overtime goal to lead the ‘Dogs to a 3-2 road win over Rochester at Blue Cross Arena.
Lapierre also added another goal and an assist to finish with a three-point showing and a +3 rating on the evening.
Matt D’Agostini netted Hamilton’s other goal in the game.
The Amerks received goals from Clarke MacArthur and Mark Mancari.
Hamilton goaltender Jaroslav Halak made 27 saves on 29 shots in the winning effort.
PEORIA 4, QUAD CITY 2
Second-year pro Marek Schwarz made 27 saves and Martin Kariya potted two goals to lead the Peoria Rivermen to a 4-2 win on Sunday afternoon at Carver Arena. The win marked Peoria’s second 4-2 home triumph in as many days, as they defeated Milwaukee by that score Saturday. This was also the Flames’ first loss in franchise history.
Kariya both opened and closed the scoring for Peoria, netting goals at 11:50 of the 1st period and providing insurance at 17:41 of the final stanza.
Julian Talbot and Trent Whitfield also found the back of the net for the Rivermen.
The Flames received goals from Matt Pelech and Cam Cunning.
Quad City’s Matt Keetley took the loss in net, making 19 saves on 23 shots.
SPRINGFIELD 3, MANCHESTER 2 (OT)
Rob Schremp scored on the power play 2:12 into overtime to propel the Falcons to a 3-2 home victory over the Manchester Monarchs. Springfield finished its three-game opening weekend with a record of 2-1.
The Monarchs jumped to an early lead when David Meckler scored 4:18 into the game.
Springfield left the ice for intermission with the 2-1 lead, though, following goals by Patrick Thoresen and Zack Stortini.
Kevin Westgarth gave Manchester the equalizer just 1:06 into the 3rd period, setting up Schremp’s heroics in overtime.
Rookie goaltender Devan Dubnyk earned his first victory of the season in net for the Falcons, stopping 35 of 37 shots sent his way.
PHILADELPHIA 4, WILKES-BARRE/SCRANTON 1
The Phantoms received goals from four different players on their way to a 4-1 victory over division rival Wilkes-Barre/Scranton at Wachovia Spectrum.
Boyd Kane, Jonathan Matsumoto, Pete Zingoni, and Stefan Ruzicka netted goals for the Phantoms, who moved to 2-0 on the season with the victory.
Three of Philadelphia’s four goals came on the power play, and Wilkes-Barre’s only goal – scored by Alex Goligoski – also came with the man-advantage.
