MONTREAL, QC.–Tickets went on sale Monday morning for the Hamilton Bulldogs’ playoff-opening round against the Oklahoma City Barons, AHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers. After spending most of March battling for a playoff spot, Hamilton did what many considered to be the unthinkable and clinched the North Division, leading to a divisional crossover with the West that before Sunday evening involved three possibilities: Oklahoma City, Peoria and Texas (who eliminated the Bulldogs last season). With wins by the San Antonio Rampage and the Houston Aeros, the Barons became the fifth seed in the West. The resulting best-of-seven series will follow a 2-3-2 format, with the final two games taking place (if needed) in Hamilton.
With the Edmonton Oilers’ season coming to an end, the 40-29-2-9 Barons can also count on the return of Teemu Hartikainen, Chris VandeVelde, Ryan O’Marra, Jeff Petry and Linus Omark to their lineup. Hamilton (44-27-2-7) carries a three-game winning streak into the series, led by Drew MacIntyre’s 32-save performance in their most recent victory of 3-1 over the Manitoba Moose.
North Division Semifinal Schedule
(N1) Hamilton Bulldogs vs. (W5) Oklahoma City Barons
all times listed are EST
Game 1 – Thursday, April 14th – 7:30 PM (Hamilton)
Game 2 – Saturday, April 16th – 4:00 PM (Hamilton)
Game 3 – Tuesday, April 19th – 8:05 PM (Oklahoma City)
Game 4 – Wednesday, April 20th – 8:05 PM (Oklahoma City)
Game 5 – Friday, April 22nd – 8:05 PM (Oklahoma City) *
Game 6 – Sunday, April 24th – 4:00 PM (Hamilton) *
Game 7 – Monday, April 25th – 7:30 PM (Hamilton) *
* – if necessary
Season Series
Tied at 1
October 24th: Oklahoma City W 3-2 (OT), December 17th: Hamilton W 3-0
Leading Scorers
Hamilton: Nigel Dawes (66 GP, 41-31-72)
Oklahoma: Alexandre Giroux (70 GP, 32-46-78)
Goaltenders
Hamilton: Drew MacIntyre (41 GP, 24W, 2.37 GAA, .922 SV%)
Oklahoma: Martin Gerber (42 GP, 20W, 2.60 GAA, .911 SV%)