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Bulls Open Eastern Conference Championship with 3-2 Victory over Oshawa
 Adam Perry scored twice in the Belleville Bulls 3-2 victory over the Oshawa Generals in game one of their Eastern Conference Championship series Wednesday night at the Yardmen Arena.
The Belleville Bulls won their eighth consecutive playoff game, defeating the Oshawa Generals 3-2 in game one of their Eastern Conference Championship series. The Bulls put forth a solid all around effort, as they never trailed in the hard fought, fast paced contest. The series will now shift to Oshawa for game two on Friday night.
As was the case in game one of the Bulls series with Oshawa last season, Belleville was able to get off to a terrific start, scoring in the first minute of the series opening game for the second consecutive season. Adam Perry gave the Bulls the early lead just 28 seconds into the game when he banged a loose puck past Generals goaltender Daryl Borden from the side of the net. Matt Beleskey and Jan Mursak assisted on Perry’s second goal of the playoffs. Oshawa was quick to respond, tying the game just over one minute later when Brett Parnham tipped Eric Regan’s point shot past Bulls goaltender Mike Murphy. Belleville was able to restore their lead just before the nine minute mark of the first period while shorthanded when Cory Tanaka slid the puck past Borden after Beleskey had hit the goalpost on the original shot. Beleskey earned the lone assist on Tanaka’s fourth goal of the playoffs. The Bulls pressed throughout the remainder of the opening frame to extend their lead but could not beat Borden who was outstanding in goal for the Generals. Shots on goal in the first period were 11-11.
Belleville continued their momentum into the second period but Borden was again terrific to keep the score 2-1. Murphy was also excellent in goal for the Bulls when called upon. Belleville was finally able to extend their lead on the power play with seven and a half minutes remaining in the period when Perry one-timed a Mursak cross-ice pass past Borden for his second goal of the game. Beleskey also earned his third assist of the game on Perry’s third goal of the playoffs. The Generals were able to cut the Bulls lead back to a single goal just five minutes later when Brett MacLean’s pass hit a Belleville defender and deflected past Murphy. Oshawa then had a glorious chance to tie the game when they were awarded a lengthy two man power play advantage late in the period. However, Murphy and the Bulls penalty killing unit were very strong, limiting the potent Generals power play to very few quality scoring chances. Shots on goal in the second period favoured the Bulls 19-8.
Following another strong penalty kill early in the third period, the Bulls began to press for an insurance marker but despite numerous great chances, they were unable to beat Borden. Belleville’s defence was also outstanding during the final twenty minutes, as they limited Oshawa to very few scoring opportunities. The Generals did press late for the equalizing goal but Murphy was again very strong to help the Bulls preserve the 3-2 victory. Shots on goal in the third period were 18-10 Belleville and overall favoured the Bulls 48-29.
Murphy was again very good, stopping 27 shots to earn the victory for Belleville. Borden was also great, turning aside 45 shots in a losing effort for the Generals. The Bulls finished the game one for five on the power play while holding Oshawa scoreless in five opportunities with the man advantage. Belleville also added a shorthanded goal. The three stars of the game were Perry, Beleskey, and Borden. Game two of the series will be played Friday night in Oshawa before returning to Belleville for game three on Saturday night. Game time for game three is 7:15pm at the Yardmen Arena and tickets for all home games in the series are available at the Bulls Box Office.
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