Game Preview: Niagara vs Flint

The IceDogs will be looking to extend their winning streak to three games this evening as they get set to host the struggling Flint Firebirds. Niagara defeated and outplayed Flint in the only meeting of the season thus far, defeating the Firebirds in overtime by a score of 3-2. The IceDogs heavily outshot their opposition 45-23 and will look to do the same tonight against a Flint team who has surrendered 18 goals in their past three games. 

Getting hot at the right time is Niagara who have won two straight games, including a win this past Sunday against the CHL’s top ranked Erie Otters. The IceDogs showed up and took over the game against Erie thanks to stellar performances from the team’s penalty kill (5/5 on the night) and Alex Nedeljkovic, who steered aside 40 shots in the contest. 

It’s a Race! It’s a Race! 

In a tight knit Eastern Conference, the Niagara IceDogs have begun to separate themselves from the pack. The team is a couple points ahead of their conference counterparts while also maintaining one, and in some instances, two games in hand. The main focus though remains on North Bay who are only five points ahead of Niagara. With five games left after tonight’s contest there are still points to be had as Niagara looks to catapult into third place in the conference. 

Players to Watch

Will Bitten has been a valuable piece on the Flint roster this season. The 5’10 winger is operating at over a point-per-game pace (1.03) and will be looking to get his 30th goal of the season in only his second year in the league. Bitten has gathered nine points in his last five contests and will do his best to lengthen his point streak to three games as he and the Firebirds continue to make a last minute playoff push. 

IceDogs captain Anthony DiFruscia has been leading by example as of late. The Thorold, ON native has put the puck in the back of the net three times in as many games, which comes out to an astonishing shooting percentage of 27%. DiFrusica will be a go-to guy for the IceDogs come playoff time, not only for his great leadership ability but also for his point production. In the 2015 playoffs he had a great postseason campaign as he notched eight points in 11 games. 

Team Stats