HAMILTON - Phil Varone scored the winning goal and the Rochester Americans spoiled Hamilton's first home game in 29 days with a 3-1 win over the Bulldogs in American Hockey League action Saturday.
Derek Whitmore and Evan Rankin, into an empty net, also scored for Rochester (33-26-13).
Brian Willsie replied for Hamilton (32-33-7).
David Leggio made 25 saves for Rochester while Peter Delmas stopped 16 shots for Hamilton.
Whitmore scored his 28th of the season at 6:36 in the first period on a 3-on-1 play.
The Bulldogs lead 8-4 in shots after 20 minutes despite trailing 1-0.
With just 3:43 to play in the second period, Willsie scored his 17th of the season on an unassisted short-handed breakaway. Willsie’s team-leading third short-handed goal of the season tied the game at 1.
Rochester took back the lead just 1:34 into the third period, when Varone took advantage of a crowded slot to beat Hamilton netminder Peter Delmas.
Rankin added an empty-net in the final minute.
The Bulldogs lost despite outshooting the Americans 26-19 in the game.
