IceDogs get back on track
Gavin Bryant scored three times as the Niagara IceDogs defeated the Erie Otters 6-1 Wednesday. File photo: OHL IMAGES.
The Niagara IceDogs bounced back nicely from a disastrous road trip last weekend to defeat the Erie Otters 6-1 Wednesday night in Erie.
“You paint the picture of this team with one word and it’s resiliency,” IceDogs coach Ben Boudreau said. “If you go in after being outscored 20-3 and lay an egg on national television (game was shown on NHL Network), it just shows the guys don’t care and obviously we did.”
The win inches Niagara to within one point of the Peterborough Petes for ninth spot in the Eastern Conference of the Ontario Hockey League. The IceDogs still trail the Barrie Colts by eight points for the eighth and final playoff spot in the East. The Colts also own three games in hand.
Boudreau appreciated having a huge lead for one of the few times this season.
“I don’t remember cruising to very many victories,” he said. “There have been empty nets or it’s been down to the wire, but having a 6-1 lead to close out the game, I’m not used to that unfortunately, but it was an unbelievable effort and the guys should get recognition for how they played.”
The IceDogs jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead in the first period versus former teammate Charlie Burns.
Captain Gavin Bryant got things started when he scored just over two minutes in on a penalty shot. Alex Assadourian then made it 2-0 when he scored his sixth of the season while the IceDogs were killing a penalty before Bryant made it 3-0 with his 15th of the season a couple of minutes later.
Niagara added to their lead with goals in the second by Ivan Galiyanov and Ryan Roobroeck, with his 20th of the season. Roobroeck is now one goal away from tying Kevin He and Akil Thomas for the franchise record for rookie goals in a season.
Bryant completed the hat trick eight minutes into the third before.
“We ask him to do everything but it’s the little things that a lot of people won’t recognize,” Boudreau said of Bryant. “Even after his hat trick goal he was the hardest backchecking forward on the team and the biggest supporter of anyone who made a big play.”
Former Thorold Blackhawk Brett Bressette spoiled Owen Flores’ bid for a shutout with 4:10 remaining to play.
Flores turned in his second straight stellar performance with 44 saves.
“That’s what you want,” Boudreau said. “He gives you a chance to win. I think he’s made over 90 saves in the last two games which is incredible.”
Boudreau gave props to the charges for staying the course with the big lead.
“I thought we stayed structured and executed our game plan for 60 minutes and Flores did his part, but the guys in front of him really helped out. He made the first save and we didn’t allow many second and third opportunities.”
The IceDogs have a busy weekend hosting Oshawa Friday at 7 p.m. and Brantford Sunday at 2 p.m. before travelling to Oshawa for a Family Day matinee Monday at 2 p.m.
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