RECAP: Mateiko’s overtime heroics propel Sea Dogs to comeback victory
SAINT JOHN – The Saint John Sea Dogs bounced back Sunday afternoon with a come-from-behind 4-3 win over the Val-d’Or Foreurs at TD Station.
Eriks Mateiko scored once in regulation and netted the game-winner in overtime, lifting the Sea Dogs to a 4-3 victory and improving their record to 10-8-0-0.
Ben Cross and Nicolas Bilodeau also scored for the Sea Dogs, while Noah Reinhart, Samuel Fiala, and Philippe Veilleux tallied for the Foreurs.
GAME SUMMARY
The Sea Dogs broke onto the scoreboard 13 minutes into the second period when a loose puck behind the net was corralled by Ben Cross who banked it off the backside of Foreurs netminder Cédric Masse and into the net. A little over a minute later, Eriks Mateiko buried Elliot Dube’s rebound through Massé’s pads, putting the Sea Dogs up 2-0.
Former Sea Dog Noah Reinhart got the Foreurs on the board halfway through the game, sneaking one under Justin Robinson’s arm. Samuel Fiala followed at the 14:28 mark, beating Robinson glove side to tie the game. A give-and-go play between Evan Depatie and Philippe Veilleux as they crossed the blueline set up Veilleux to find the back of the net through a heavy screen in front of Robinson, putting the Foreurs up 3-2 with under three minutes left in the second period.
With only five minutes remaining in the game, Tyler Peddle lined up Olivier Duhamel for a one-timer that Nicolas Bilodeau redirected into the net, sending the game to overtime.
Late in the extra frame, Zach Morin dropped the puck to Mateiko, who fired a shot past Massé’s blocker, sealing the 4-3 win.
NOTES
- Sunday’s game marked the annual Support The Troops game
- Sea Dogs are now 3-0 in overtime games this season
- Nicolas Bilodeau scored his first goal of the season
STATISTICS
SOG: SNB – 12/17/8/5 = 42 | VDO – 8/9/7/0 = 24
PP: SNB – 0/4 | VDO – 0/3
Face-Offs: SNB – 27 | VDO – 35
3 STARS
1st: SNB – Eriks Mateiko – 2G
2nd: SNB – Elliot Dube – 2A
3rd: SNB – Matteo Mann – 2A
GOALTENDING BATTLE
Saint John: Justin Robinson (21 saves / 24 shots)
Val-d’Or: Cedric Masse (38 saves / 42 shots)
UP NEXT
The Sea Dogs will now hit the road for a five-game road trip beginning Thursday, November 7pm at 8:00pm against the Victoriaville Tigres.
For the latest Sea Dogs news, visit SJSeaDogs.com, or follow the team on Facebook (Facebook.com/sjseadogs), Twitter (@SJSeaDogs), and Instagram (@SJSeaDogs).
