IceDogs Can’t Outlast Otters
NIAGARA, ON – The Niagara IceDogs fell to (27-24-3-4) on the season after a hard-fought 5-4 loss to the Erie Otters on Thursday night at the Meridian Centre.
Niagara came out flying in the first period, igniting the home crowd with three quick goals. Mathieu Paris opened the scoring at 6:52 with his fifth of the season, finishing off a great play set up by Alex Assadourian and Braidy Wassilyn. Just over a minute later, Kevin He buried his 28th goal of the season off a slick feed from Ryan Roobroeck and Andrew Wycisk, giving Niagara a 2-0 lead. The IceDogs’ offensive surge continued, as Mike Levin went top shelf right in front of the net at 13:51, finishing off a nice play by Sean Doherty and Ivan Galiyanov, putting the IceDogs up 3-0.
This offensive explosion from the IceDogs had the Meridian Centre on their feet early and often on Thursday night, with their three unanswered goals to start regulation.
However, Erie responded late in the first, cutting the IceDogs’ lead to 3-1 with a goal from Alex Messier. Erie continued their comeback in the second period, eventually tying the game with goals from Callum Hughes and Martin Misiak, sending the game to the third period tied at 3-3.
The Otters carried their momentum into the final frame, as Misiak scored his second of the night just over a minute into the third frame, giving the Otters their first lead of the night.
Battling to score the next goal, Niagara was pressing Erie hard for the tying goal.
However, after a miriyad of third-period Niagara penalties, Pano Fimis scored the eventual game-winning goal at 14:32 on the power play.
Despite the setback, Niagara showed no quit. Just 28 seconds later, Ivan Galiyanov scored a highlight-reel shorthanded goal, bringing the IceDogs within one. Niagara continued to press for the equalizer but ultimately fell short.
The IceDogs showcased resilience and offensive firepower, highlighted by a multi-point performance from Ivan Galiyanov and a strong offensive start overall.
Niagara will look to bounce back as they continue their homestand on Saturday, March 1st, against the London Knights at 7:00 PM for Ladies Night.
Visit niagaraicedogs.net for tickets and more information!
