Barons Fall in First Playoff Game

Hamilton jumped out to an early lead in 5-2 victory.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 12:20 pm

By: News On 6

Originally Published: Apr 14, 2011 10:3 PM CDT

Oklahoma Sports Staff

HAMILTON, Ont. – It didn’t take long for the Hamilton Bulldogs to jump out to a commanding lead against the Barons in the first round of the Calder Cup Playoffs on Thursday.

Hamilton scored three goals in the first period on its way to a 5-2 win against Oklahoma City at Copps Coliseum.

The North Division Champion Bulldogs had six power plays and converted on three of them, including one just 1:38 into the game from Nigel Dawes.

Olivier Fortier and Ryan Russell each added goals for the Bulldogs in the first as well to gain a 3-0 advantage after one.

Ben Ondrus snuck in a goal at the 7:23 mark in the second to cut the lead down to 3-1, but the Bulldogs responded with another power play goal to maintain their three-goal lead.

Joe Stejskal of Hamilton and Bryan Helmer from the Barons each registered goals for their teams in the third period

Hamilton put up 29 shots as opposed to 26 from OKC.

Game 2 will take place Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. at Copps Coliseum.