Petes Rebound with Team Effort in St. Catharines
The Petes held on to first place in the Eastern Conference following their second game in as many nights.
Nick Isaacson opened the scoring for the Petes seven minutes into the opening frame. He was able to slide the puck through Stephen Dhillon’s five-hole off a tape-to-tape pass through the neutral zone from rookie defenceman Declan Chisholm, with Tampa Bay Lightning prospet Matt Spencer recording the second assist. The Petes had the first opportunity to put their power play units to work, and work they did. 2017 NHL Entry Draft-eligible Zach Gallant, left open in front of the Niagara net, potted his 15th goal of the campaign after receiving a quick cross-crease pass from rookie Semyon Der-Arguchintsev, as Florida Panthers prospect Jonathan Ang was awarded the second assist on the play. The east division rivals headed to their rooms with the Petes leading 2-0 after one.
The IceDogs came out strong in the second in an attempt to find the equalizer, and managed to close the gap in the final minutes of the second frame. Johnny Corneil found himself in the right spot in the right time, and was able to bury a Ben Jones rebound, with Danial Singer getting the second helper. The Petes were sent to their second man advantage halfway through the period, but couldn’t capitalize. The Petes held on to lead 2-1 after 40 minutes.
The IceDogs found the equalizer early in the third stanza, as Kyle Langdon found standout rookie Akil Thomas on the sidewall, who was able to cut around the Petes defence and backhand the puck over St. Catharines native Dylan Wells. It didn’t take long for the Petes to respond and take back the lead, though, as Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Nikita Korostelev scored what was arguably his most jaw-dropping goal as a Pete. Captain Brandon Prophet found Korostelev in the slot, who after picking up his own rebound, put the puck between his legs and lifted it over an unsuspecting Dhillon. The Petes would take their first and only penalty of the game midway through the final 20 minutes, but their ninth-ranked penalty killing squad was able to defend the team’s 3-2.
The Petes wrap up their second 3-in-3 in as many weekends for Pink in the Rink on Saturday against the Oshawa Generals. Only select few tickets are still available online, at the Collins Barrow Box Office, or by calling (705) 743-3561. Make sure you download the Petes Mobile App for iPhone or Android to stay up to date with the Petes all season long.