Game Preview: Niagara vs Ottawa (Game 2)

The IceDogs are getting ready for Game 2 action against the Ottawa 67’s. Niagara was clearly the better team when these two faced off for Game 1 on Thursday night, with Niagara taking a 5-4 victory on route to a 1-0 series lead. Niagara outshot Ottawa 36-23, thanks largely in part to a strong second period in which the IceDogs put 20 shots on net while converting on three of those chances.

The ‘Pesky Dogs’ head into tonight’s contest feeling good about our play and will look to take a 2-0 victory before hitting the road for Ottawa on Monday. A victory this evening will put the IceDogs in a good spot in the series as Niagara has now won four of five games against the 67’s this year.

The Niagara IceDogs are excited to announce that Niagara Falls Comic Con is the presenting game sponsor this evening. Your favourite superheroes will be in attendance including Batman, the Green Lantern and many more! Make sure to dress up as a superhero for your chance to win great prizes!

Dunn Waiting

Niagara IceDogs’ stud defensman Vince Dunn made his long awaited return to action Thursday night after being out since late February and wasted little time picking up right where he left off. Dunn put up a goal and an assist in the contest and was named the game’s second star. The Blues’ prospect scored his first of the postseason on the power play a minute into the third frame and was the eventual game-winning-goal. Dunn’s presence on the blue line is a constant threat to the opposition, which could not be more evident than by looking at the 43 points in 52 games he put up in the regular season.

Players to Watch

Ottawa left winger Travis Barron had some jump to his game on Thursday, putting up a goal and an assist in the contest. In one playoff game in 2016, Barron has already tied last year’s playoff point total where he put up two points in six games. The 17 year-old is a former third overall pick in the 2014 OHL draft. With expectations high, both from the club and himself, he will no doubt look to be an impact player throughout this series.

IceDogs’ centreman Stephen Harper had a great start to the 2016 postseason, not only did he put together a strong night of offence by assisting on the game-winning-goal, but he had a spectacular night on the defensive end of the puck as well, going 10/12 on faceoffs. This was only Harper’s fifth playoff game in five years, but when he has gotten to this point in the season he hasn’t failed to produce. The 20 year-old put up 4 points (2G, 2A) in four games last year. He has continued his point-per-game pace and will be a lethal weapon for Niagara in this series and beyond.

Team Stats