Only 51 seconds into the game the Bulldogs got a penalty. Not a good way to start as the Dragons scored a goal and it looked like the Bulldogs were still asleep from the night before and had no idea a hockey game was being played. Then on the Dragons Powerplay Ty Daneault scored on a weak shot to make it a 1-0 game unassisted at 1:11. The Dragons scored again just a little a minute over at 2:40 with Kai Matthew getting his first of the playoffs from Caleb Willms and Sam Simard. The Bulldogs outshot the Dragons 10-6 in the first period.
Bulldogs finally got one past Garrett Fuller 2:17 into the second period on the power play when Jason Siedem bures a rebounded shot on the powerplay. Assists on the goal from Brett Meerman and Tyler Wallace.
5 minutes later Brendan Ross makes it a 2-2 game scoring his 5th of the playoffs. Assists on his goal to Brett Meerman and Carter Patterson
Otto Hanson received a four-minute major penalty for kneeing, which the Bulldogs successfully killed off. At 12:30 of the second period, Ty Daneault narrowed the gap to 3-2 with a goal assisted by Van Yuhas and Ryan Henderson, reminiscent of his earlier goal. Later, at 14:49 of the same period, Kody Willick skillfully beat Fuller while positioned alone in front of the net, assisted by his brother Tanner, thereby tying the game at 3. In the second period, the Bulldogs dominated with an 11-3 shot advantage over the Dragons.
At 2:50 into the third period, Adam Raesler delivered a knee-on-knee hit on Brendan Ross with what appeared to be deliberate intent to cause injury, rather than a mere tap. Such an action should of warranted a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct, followed by a review by the league. In fact, I have seen players suspended for much less severe actions. That move was horse shit, particularly if it leads to Ross being unable to play for the Bulldogs due to an injury that would be a far greater loss than if Raesler were absent for the Dragons. Ideally, the Bulldogs should have included this incident in their replays, but I had to rely on the amazing quality footage from HockeyTV. Although Raesler received a four-minute penalty, which may seem sufficient if your drunk and or on drugs, the Bulldogs were subsequently penalized twice, thereby giving the Dragons a significant advantage on the powerplay. Fortunately, the Bulldogs successfully killed off the penalties
The Bulldogs then received a penalty for too many men on the ice at 10:33. I invented some awesome words when they got that penalty that I will not repeat here.
The Dragons Dylan Glinski scored on the powerplay to make it a 4-3 game for the Dragons. Assist on the goal to Ty Whitford and Sam Simard at 10:59.
While I recognize that at times the potential rewards may appear to outweigh the risks, it remains my opinion that the decision to pull the goaltender, even while down by only one goal (including during a powerplay), and when the team does not have full control of the puck, with over a minute remaining in the game, is an exceedingly risky tactic. It proved the risk right again this time because Ty Whitford scored his second of the playoffs shorthanded into the empty net. To make it a 5-3 game and end the night. The third period was the only one the Dragons outshot the Bulldogs and they did so by 12-7.
Other Notes
Bulldogs next game Game #4 is Wednesday night back in Drumheller
Attendance in Drumheller was 1276
Bulldogs outshot the Dragons 28-21
Three stars of the game were 1) Ty Daneault 2) Garrett Fuller 3) Brett Meerman. That was an awesome game and the three star selection was bang on. If games like that one keep occurring the teams are all going to have to get bigger arenas. It is perfect timing too with so many people wanting to boycott the NHL because of all their latest circus stunts.
Wonder if Christian is sitting out for the penalty in last game Overtime.🤔
