RECAP: Sea Dogs stopped short in shootout against Islanders
SAINT JOHN – In their first game of 2024, the Saint John Sea Dogs put up a resilient fight but ultimately fell to the Charlottetown Islanders 3-2 in a shootout, extending their losing streak to four games. This latest loss lowers their record to 13-18-3-3.
The game started with Sea Dogs goaltender Justin Robinson making a notable save at 5:15, deflecting the puck out of play with the knob of his stick. Vince Élie was dialed in from start tonight, hitting the post at the 14 minute mark and then the crossbar a few minutes later. Despite a slow start in shots, the Sea Dogs managed to outshoot the Islanders 10-9 by the end of a scoreless first period.
Brett Arsenault broke the deadlock at 2:58 into the second period giving the Islanders a 1-0 lead. The Sea Dogs, on the powerplay, retaliated with Joseph Ianniello leveling the score at 4:29 with a one-timer, set up by Élie. Alexis Michaud took back the lead for the Islanders at 15:29. The second period concluded with the Islanders ahead 2-1, leading in shots 21-18.
At 12:57 into the third, Darien Reynolds got the puck to Drew Elliott who scored in his debut with the Sea Dogs, tying it up at two. The third period ended with the game still tangled at two and the Sea Dogs leading in shots, 29-23. A defensively focused overtime saw no shots from either team, pushing the game into a shootout.
Pavel Simek scored for the Sea Dogs in the first round of the shootout, but the Islanders sealed the victory with Marcus Kearsey and Matthew Butler scoring in the subsequent rounds, finalizing the score 3-2 in favor of the Islanders. Newly-acquired Elliott received first star of the game and a loud ovation from the Sea Dogs fans in attendance.
The Sea Dogs face the Islanders again on the road Friday night at 7pm in a rematch. Their next game at TD Station is this Sunday at 3pm against the Moncton Wildcats. It will also be Fleaburn’s 30th birthday celebration with several of his mascot pals from around town in attendance. Tickets are available at the TD Station box office, by calling (506) 657-1234 or online at tickets.tdstation.com.
For the latest Sea Dogs news, visit SJSeaDogs.com, or follow the team on Facebook (Facebook.com/sjseadogs), Twitter (@SJSeaDogs), and Instagram (@SJSeaDogs).