The Bulldogs hosted the Houston Aeros last night without Max Pacioretty for the first time this season and felt the lack of scoring touch in the team.  Despite scoring the first goal of the game, one that came from the stick of Alexandre Avtsin, his fourth of the season, the Bulldogs gave up 2 goals in the third period to lose the game by a score of 3-1.

The Aeros tied the game at 9:23 of the first period after Avtsin gave the Bulldogs the lead. Robbie Earl one timed a shot on a 2 on 1 past the 'Dogs starting goaltender Curtis Sanford.  After a scoreless second period, the Aeros took an early lead in the third period when Brandon Buck intercepted a pass and took a wrist shot from the slot that beat Sanford through the five-hole.  The goal, that came only after 17 seconds in the third was the first goal of the season by Brandon Buck.  An empty-netter at 19:52 of the third confirmed the victory for the Aeros. 

The Bulldogs, missing Pacioretty and Yannick Weber took 25 shots towards Aeros netminder Matt Hackett and allowed the Aeros to take 24 shots towards Sanford.  They were also 0 for 3 in the powerplay.  They will now begin a five-game road trip starting on Friday, December 17th where they will travel to Oklahoma City to play against the Barons.