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Bulls Lose Game Four 2-1 to Generals
 Jan Mursak scored the Belleville Bulls lone goal in a 2-1 loss to the Oshawa Generals Monday night in Oshawa.
The Belleville Bulls lost for the first time in eleven games, dropping a close 2-1 decision to the Oshawa Generals Monday night in Oshawa. Both teams fought hard throughout the game with the difference being a Generals goal seven minutes into the third period. Oshawa’s victory forces a game five in their Eastern Conference Championship series which will be played Wednesday night at the Yardmen Arena.
The Bulls came out flying to begin the game, forcing Daryl Borden to make several outstanding saves to keep the game scoreless. Belleville was able to open the scoring six minutes into the first period while on a two man power play advantage when Jan Mursak blasted a slapshot past Borden from the high slot for his team leading seventh goal of the playoffs. Matt Beleskey and Bryan Cameron assisted on the goal. The assist extended Beleskey’s point streak to a league high twelve games. The Bulls continued to press to extend their lead during the opening frame but could not beat Borden who was outstanding between the pipes for Oshawa during the period. The Generals enjoyed a lengthy two man power play advantage of their own late in the first period but Murphy and the Bulls penalty killing unit continued their strong play to keep the lead. Oshawa was able to tie the score with two and a half minutes remaining in the first period just after a power play had expired when Dale Mitchell was able to poke a puck past Mike Murphy following a scramble in front of the Bulls goaltender. Shots on goal in the first period were 19-11 Belleville.
The second period was much different that the first, as both teams played a much more defensive style of play resulting in few scoring chances for either side. Both Murphy and Borden were strong when called upon the keep the game tied heading into the final period of play. Shots on goal in the second period were 6-6.
The Generals grabbed their first lead of the game seven minutes into the third period when Brett Parnham’s shot was stopped by Murphy but the rebound deflected off a Belleville defender and into the net. Both sides have numerous great chances to score during the final half of the third period but both Murphy and Borden were outstanding to keep the score 2-1. The Bulls did appear to tie the game with just over six minutes remaining in the third period but the referees ruled that Beleskey had directed the puck past Borden with his skate. Belleville did press during the final minutes of the third period and enjoyed two power plays during the second half of the final stanza but could not beat Borden, as the Generals skated away with their first victory of the series. Shots on goal in the third period were 14-8 Oshawa but overall favoured the Bulls 33-31.
Murphy enjoyed a strong game in goal for the Bulls, stopping 29 shots in a losing effort while Borden was also excellent, making 32 saves in the victory for Oshawa. Belleville finished the game one for seven on the power play while Oshawa failed to convert in six chances with the man advantage. The three stars of the game were Borden, Parnham, and Mursak. Bulls forward Michael Neal made his season debut in Oshawa on Monday after missing the entire regular season and playoffs to date with a knee injury. The series will now shift back to Belleville for game five on Wednesday night. Game time is 7:15pm at the Yardmen Arena and tickets for all home games in the series are available at the Bulls Box Office. Season ticket holders have until 5:00pm on Tuesday to purchase their seats before they go on sale to the general public.
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