RECAP: Third-period outburst helps Sea Dogs sink Islanders

SAINT JOHN – The Saint John Sea Dogs bounced back on Sunday, taking a 5-2 victory over the Charlottetown Islanders at TD Station to push their season record to 6-10-1-2. The only other meeting between the two teams this season was a shootout win for the Islanders on October 26th.

Vince Elie set the tone early for the Sea Dogs scoring at 3:55, after a great play by Danny Akkouche to force a turnover at the blue line. The Islanders responded at 7:07 with Ondrej Maruna tying the game at one apiece. Noah Reinhart at 11:27 put the Sea Dogs ahead 2-1 with his eighth goal of the season, assisted by Joseph Ianniello and Elie. A critical save by Sea Dogs goaltender Patrick Leaver at 12:04 held their lead. The first period closed with the Sea Dogs up 2-1, and shots tied at nine each.

Islanders forward Cole Huckins tied the game 2-2 just 48 seconds into the second period. At 16:44, Isaac Vos exited the penalty box, breaking in alone but was stopped by Leaver with a fast-acting blocker. The second period ended 2-2, with the Islanders leading in shots 22-15.

The third period was eventful early as Nate Tivey’s shot nearly crossed the line, but an Islanders player dislodged the net. Despite a review, no goal was awarded. The Sea Dogs went up 3-2 at 11:34 with Eriks Mateiko scoring the go-ahead goal, assisted by Elie. Pavel Simek then showcased his speed, scoring on a breakaway at 13:59 and later potting an empty netter at 19:03, finalizing the Sea Dogs 5-2 victory. Final shots were 22 for the Sea Dogs and 31 for the Islanders.

Elie, with a goal and two assists, earned first star. Mateiko, impactful with a goal, grabbed the second star and Leaver, with 29 saves, was key in between the pipes taking third star. Their combined efforts were crucial in the team’s win.

The Sea Dogs are set to face the Cape Breton Eagles for the third time this season tomorrow afternoon at 2pm at TD Station. It promises to be another eventful battle, with Legends In Concert’s Taylor Swift tribute performing during the intermissions, making it an event not to be missed. Tickets are available at the TD Station box office, by calling (506) 657-1234 or online at tickets.tdstation.com.

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