HAMILTON - Jaroslav Halak posted a 25-save shutout to lead the Hamilton Bulldogs to a 3-0 win over the Toronto Marlies on Friday night in AHL action.

The 'Dogs extended their winning streak to a season-high three games, improving their record to 7-7-0-3.

After two scoreless periods, the Bulldogs broke the stalemate at 2:39 of the third period when Mathieu Carle finished off a three-way passing play from Sergei Kostitsyn and Maxim Lapierre. The goal was scored with an extra attacker on the ice for Hamilton on a delayed Toronto penalty.

Greg Stewart increased the Bulldogs lead to 2-0 with his second goal of the season at 12:48 of the final frame. Lapierre and Jonathan Ferland recorded assists on the goal.

With 22 seconds left in the game, Kostitsyn scored his fifth of the season into an empty net, capping the win.

Toronto (12-4-0-2) netminder Scott Clemmensen made 25 saves on 27 shots in a losing effort.