SmartStop Post-Game Recap: IceDogs Series Finale
The Steelheads register over 30 shots, but ultimately fall to the Niagara IceDogs 4-0.
First Period
The Mississauga Steelheads came into Sunday’s series finale against the Niagara IceDogs at the Meridian Centre looking to build on an eight goal offensive explosion Friday night.
The Steelheads have won six of their last seven games against the IceDogs and looked to get on the board early. However IceDogs’ goalie Josh Rosenzweig stopped all 11 of the Steelheads’ shots to keep it 0-0 after the first 20 minutes. Mississauga goalie Roman Basran also had a strong period stopping all 12 shots he faced, including a breakaway chance.
The Trout got their best chance of the period while playing four-on-four hockey, as James Hardie took a shot off a sweet feed from Ethan Del Mastro that went just wide.
Shots on Goal – 12 NIAG/11 MISS
Second Period
As the second period started, both teams were looking to build on their defensive game while getting the offense going. Just two minutes into the period, Declan Waddick was able to get one past Basran to get the first goal of the game for the IceDogs.
Right after the goal was scored, the Steelheads had back to back powerplay chances when Lucas Littlejohn and Ryan Struthers were sent off for slashing and interference respectively. However, just seconds after the Struthers penalty, Zander Veccia was given the gate for high sticking, creating the second 4-on-4 of the game. The Steelheads had their best chance of the frame during the 4-on-4, with an Owen Beck Shot on a 2-on-1 rush, but Rosenzweig was strong again stopping all 12 shots he faced in the frame.
Niagara was able to build on their lead about half way through the period, when Brice Cook scored to make it 2-0 in favour of the IceDogs. The Steelheads found themselves shorthanded a few minutes later, when Chas Sharpe took a holding penalty. Just seconds after the penalty expired, Juan Copeland found the back of the net, making it 3-0 for Niagara headed into the third period.
Shots on Goal – 10 NIAG/12 MISS
Third Period
Heading into the final period down 3-0, the Steelheads had to act quickly. Unfortunately, just four minutes into the period the Trout ran into more penalty trouble as Veccia was sent off for high sticking again. A minute later, Dakota Betts of the IceDogs was sent off for roughing, making it 4-on-4 again. The Steelheads would get another powerplay chance when Struthers was sent off for tripping, but Rosenzweig stood tall, stopping Owen Beck on a one timer to keep it 3-0 for Niagara.
As the Steelheads pulled Basran to try and get something going, Brendan Sirizotti put the final score on the board with an empty netter, making it 4-0 when the final horn sounded.
Shots on Goal – 11 NIAG/8 MISS
Total Shots – 33 NIAG/31 MISS
Three Stars:
- Brice Cook (1G, 1A)
- Josh Rosenzweig (31SV)
- Declan Waddick (1G, 1A)
After their final game against the IceDogs this season, the Steelheads earned the win in the season series with a 6-2-0-0 record. Mississauga look to get back on track on Friday, March 11 when the Hamilton Bulldogs travel to the Paramount Fine Foods Centre to take on the Steelheads.
