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BULLDOGS TAKE A BITE OUT OF ROCKFORD

Vs HAM 012710
Hogs outscored 8-0 by Hamilton in 2009-10

Rockford, Ill.- The Hamilton Bulldogs posted five unanswered goals to shut out the Rockford IceHogs in their only meeting of the season at Rockford MetroCentre on Wednesday.

"They're a different team," said Rockford defenseman Brian Connelly. "We haven't played a team with the kind of system they have played. We knew what we had to do, but it was a tough night."

Greg Stewart bounced the puck off the back of Corey Crawford from behind the net at 7:49 in the first period to give the Bulldogs the lead. Matt D'Agostini and P.K. Subban were credited with the assists.

The Bulldogs added a couple more goals in the second frame. Grant Stevenson sniped a shot past Crawford at 11:36. Tom Pyatt and Mike Glomac also registered assists on the play.

Then Brock Trotter took advantage of a good screen on Crawford to bury his 21st goal of the season at 13:29 with help from Subban and Shawn Belle.

"Both teams had chances," Connelly said. "But they capitalized and we didn't."

Trotter chased Crawford from the game at 1:26 in the third period with helpers from Max Pacioretty and David Desharnais.

Andrew Conboy finished off the Hogs as he slipped one by Joe Fallon at 14:15. Belle and Ryan Russell were credited with the helpers.

"We had to try to create more and toward the third period we were gettng more chances," Connelly said. "But you can't wait until it's 3-0 to start creating chances. We have to refocus tomorrow. We have two tough opponents this weekend."

Crawford stopped 17 in 41:26, while Fallon stopped nine of 10 shots in 18:34. Curtis Sanford gave Hamilton their eighth shutout of the year on 25 saves.

The Bulldogs did not have a single power play in the game, while Rockford was without a goal in three chances.

Next Home Game: Friday, Jan. 29 vs. Peoria Rivermen: Game time is 7:05 p.m. The Rockford IceHogs host the Peoria Rivermen on Pink in the Rink Night. Help the Hogs raise awareness for breast cancer with $1 from every ticket sold going to breast cancer research. The first 1,000 women into the MetroCentre will also pick up a special pink IceHogs t-shirt thanks to Rock Valley Federal Credit Union, 13 WREX and B103 FM.