67’s keep themselves in the hunt with win over IceDogs

The Ottawa 67’s picked up their fifth point in the past three games on Thursday night, scoring twice in the second period to score a massive 2-1 victory over the Niagara IceDogs.

Ottawa found themselves in a little bit of penalty trouble early, putting the potent IceDogs man advantage on the ice. Just 20 seconds in, they tickled the twine, with Alex Assadourian picking up his 14th of the season.

There was no response to be had for the Barber Poles until midway through the second. Nolan Jackson toe-dragged around a defender at the blue line, before walking into the slot, and ripping a laser over the goaltender’s shoulder, and scoring his first career OHL goal, knotting the score at one.

Then, in the final couple of minutes of the period, Luca Pinelli did what he does best, scoring his 36th of the season, putting the 67’s up by one at the intermission.

In the final stanza, it was a game of holding on for the 67’s. A late power play chase gave the IceDogs a chance to level the score, but the Barber Poles penalty kill unit picked a good time for a big kill, hanging onto their 2-1 lead for a big-time win, and two points.

Box score

First period

1-0: NIAG #8 Alex Assadourian (14) scores. Assists: #25 Ryan Roobroeck, #27 Andrei Loshko POWER PLAY

Second Period

1-1: OTT #27 Nolan Jackson (1) scores. Assists: #34 Filip Ekberg, #5 Bradley Horner

2-1: OTT #20 Luca Pinelli (36) scores. Assists: #23 Will Gerrior, #22 Matthew Mayich

Third Period

No scoring

Up next

The 67’s continue their playoff push on Saturday night, taking on the Erie Otters at 7 p.m. at Erie Insurance Arena.