Mike Blunden ends nine-round shootout as Bulldogs beat Crunch 2-1

SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Mike Blunden scored the lone goal in the ninth round of the shootout to lift the Hamilton Bulldogs past the Syracuse Crunch 2-1 in American Hockey League play Saturday.

Louis Leblanc had the only goal in regulation for the Bulldogs (26-29-5), while Robert Mayer stopped 31 shots and all nine shooters in the shootout.

Mayer also blanked Yanni Gourde on a penalty shot.

Brett Connolly was the only player to beat Mayer for the Crunch (24-26-10), and Kristers Gudlevskis finished with 28 saves.