Wednesday Highlights: ‘Ned’ shines as IceDogs advance

The Niagara IceDogs are headed to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2012 after Carolina Hurricanes prospect Alex Nedeljkovic turned in another outstanding performance, making 32 saves in a 3-1 win over the Kingston Frontenacs.

The IceDogs complete the 4-0 sweep of the East Division champions as Brendan Perlini scored a pair of first period goals before Johnny Corneil added valuable insurance in the opening minute of the third.

The Frontenacs pressed hard in the final five minutes of the third period, but Nedeljkovic and the Niagara defence had the answers, running down the clock to secure the win.

Here’s a look at Wednesday’s playoff action.

NIAGARA 3 KINGSTON 1
NIAG wins series 4-0
It wasn’t an outcome that many predicted, but playing their best hockey of the season, the Niagara IceDogs derailed the East Division champion Kingston Frontenacs in four straight games. The series came to an end on Wednesday as Alex Nedeljkovic continued his brilliant playoff run, turning aside 32 shots in a 3-1 win on home ice. Arizona Coyotes first round pick Brendan Perlini scored twice for the Dogs before Johnny Corneil added valuable insurance in the opening minute of the third. Lawson Crouse provided Kingston’s lone goal but it wouldn’t be enough as the IceDogs are off to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2012. Overage centreman Jordan Maletta was in on all three goals, registering three assists on the night. The Frontenacs are the first top-seeded team since the 2007 Barrie Colts to not reach the conference finals. Niagara now awaits the winner of a series between Barrie and North Bay to determine their next opponent.
GAME CENTRE • HIGHLIGHTS

ERIE 5 SAULT STE. MARIE 2
ER leads series 3-1
The Erie Otters rebounded from a Monday night loss, scoring twice in the opening ten minutes of the first period before leading the rest of the way in a 5-2 win on the road. The Otters outshot the Soo Greyhounds 45-17, flexing the muscle that earned them a Midwest Division title. Alex DeBrincat and Travis Dermott each had a goal and an assist while Jake Marchment, Darren Raddysh and Nick Betz also had markers. Greyhounds netminder Brandon Halverson turned aside 40 shots in the loss while Jack Kopacka and Blake Speers had goals. The Hounds are on the ropes, down 3-1 in the series heading into Erie for Game 5 on Friday.
GAME CENTRE • HIGHLIGHTS

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