IceDogs Battle Hard in Playoff Opener but Fall in Game One in Barrie
BARRIE, ON – The Niagara IceDogs put up a strong fight in Game 1 of their OHL First Round playoff series but ultimately fell 4-2 to the Barrie Colts on Thursday night at Sadlon Arena. The loss puts Niagara down 1-0 in the best-of-seven series, but they showed plenty of positives to build on heading into Game 2.
Niagara wasted no time making their presence felt, striking late in the first period on the power play. Kevin He pounced on a rebound and buried it with just 37 seconds left in the frame to send the IceDogs into intermission with momentum, scoring the first playoff goal for Niagara in six years.
The second period was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams finding the scoresheet. Barrie briefly took the lead early in the period, but Niagara responded just minutes later. Alex Assadourian got a piece of a point shot from Matthew Virgilio, tipping it home to make it a 2-2 game. However, the Colts would regain the lead late in the period and held onto it heading into the third.
In the final frame, Niagara pushed hard for the equalizer, generating several key chances – including on a five minute power play – but ultimately Barrie was able to hang on and seal the win with an insurance marker in the final two minutes.
Goaltender Owen Flores was sharp between the pipes, turning aside 34 shots and keeping the IceDogs within striking distance throughout the game. Kevin He also had a strong outing for the IceDogs, recording a goal and an assist.
Niagara looks to even the series on Monday, March 31st, when Game 2 gets underway at Sadlon Arena.
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