A shutout performance by Hamilton Bulldogs' goalie Curtis Sanford put the Stars one game closer to elimination in the West Conference Finals of the AHL tonight.  Texas sufferred from a lack of crispness in their passing game and the inability to win puck battles in their 3-0 defeat tonight in the Cedar Park Center. "We were a little flat," said Coach Gulutzan, "[Hamilton] definitely deserved to win."

Hamilton got goals from Ryan Russell, Mike Glumac, and David Desharnais in the win behind a 23 save shuout performance from Sanford.  Texas goalie Matt Climie stopped 30 of 33 shots on goal.  Hamilton scored on one of eight (yes, eight) power play opportunities in the game.  Texas went 0/4 and is now 0/11 in their last two games.  Stars forward Jamie Benn mused, "We just gotta keep it simple and put pucks on net. We might be doing a little too much out there and I think we just gotta start shooting."

Full recap on Hundred Degree Hockey, as per usual.  Texas now travels to Hamilton, Ontario, for the 6th game in the series on Monday night.  If they want to force Game 7 on Wednesday, their performance has to be better than tonight's.

(Photo credit: Brian Hackert)