IceDogs fall 5-4 to Otters in first game back from holiday break
The Niagara IceDogs returned to action tonight following the holiday break in Erie. Facing a team they’ve become very familiar with in the first few months of the season, the ‘Dogs were looking to even up the season series at two wins per team, despite missing the veteran presence of Elijah Roberts and Jackson Doherty. Giancarlo Chanton lined up on the bottom line to try adding more defensive presence.
The last time these two teams played, Niagara skated away with the extra point following shootout heroics from Akil Thomas.
The Otters opened the scoring five minutes into the game. Although he gave up an early goal, Sbaraglia answered right back with a series of big saves the prevent Erie from extending their lead.
Sbrags is looking refreshed after the break with this big save! #IceDogs | #MyGoalistoStopYours | @sbaraglia37pic.twitter.com/JVqdL20esw
— Niagara IceDogs (@OHLIceDogs) December 29, 2019
The Otters doubled their lead to 2 midway through the period, to carry a 2-0 lead into the second period.
Sbaraglia continued to make big saves into the middle frame, flashing his red glove every chance he could.
Flashing the claw ????@sbaraglia37 | #IceDogspic.twitter.com/0XlIlCsDbb
— Niagara IceDogs (@OHLIceDogs) December 29, 2019
Just over six minutes into the period, Niagara appeared to have scored, but it was initially called off for goaltender interference. The IceDogs’ bench challenged the call, claiming Andrew Bruder had been pushed into the goaltender. The challenge was successful, and the ‘Dogs cut the Otters lead in half.
Glad HC BB challenged the no goal call, tbh
Bettsy’s shot from high in the ???? cuts the Otters lead in half.@Dakotabetts03 | #IceDogspic.twitter.com/91EyBNVYBE
— Niagara IceDogs (@OHLIceDogs) December 29, 2019
The challenge clearly sparked something with the ‘Dogs, as they went on to score 3 more goals in four minutes! First, Ethan Sims banged away at a loose puck in the crease and potted home his second goal of the season.
If at first you don’t succeed, bang away at the loose puck!
Giddy up, @ethan_simss ????#IceDogspic.twitter.com/iEKPkHOq1g
— Niagara IceDogs (@OHLIceDogs) December 29, 2019
Then, it was Lucas Theriault scoring his fourth of the year, as he picked up a rebound off a weak shot from Jake Uberti! Theriault’s goal gave the IceDogs a much needed lead after a rough first period start.
LT strikes back ⚡️@ltheriault16 | #IceDogspic.twitter.com/4VfHXN94ki
— Niagara IceDogs (@OHLIceDogs) December 29, 2019
The Niagara defence got activated into the offensive zone as Mason Howard saw an opening in the play. Phil Tomasino found him sneaking down to the offensive zone and got him the puck to snipe the puck past the goaltender Murphy.
???? hungry for ????@mason_howard_10 | #IceDogspic.twitter.com/OMdzOHYT4E
— Niagara IceDogs (@OHLIceDogs) December 29, 2019
The IceDogs killed an early third penalty, and then continued to push to extend their lead. The experienced Otters scored three consecutive goals late in the third period to take the 5-4 win.
The ‘Dogs will be back at the Meridian Centre until New Years Eve with puck drop scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Don’t forget about the post-game skate with the team. All information regarding the post-game skate can be found here.
Tickets are extremely limited, and starting at $15/person and can be purchased online HERE, or in person at the following locations:
Seaway Mall Customer Service
Big Marco’s Three Stars of the Game
- Maxim Golod (ER)
- Austen Swankler (ER)
- Connor Lockhart (ER)
