IceDogs top Otters in shootout
Tucker Tynan saved the day for the Niagara IceDogs Thursday.
The rookie netminder kicked out 43 shots in regulation and overtime, followed by three more in the shootout, as the IceDogs edged the visiting Erie Otters 5-4 in Ontario Hockey League action in St. Catharines.
Tynan’s performance in the shootout was even more crucial after the IceDogs blew an early 3-0 lead and then had the Otters tie the game late in the third on a power play.
“It was definitely important,” Tucker said of picking up the second point. “We’re fighting for points in the standings and just getting better every game.”
Tucker was perfect in the shootout while Akil Thomas scored for the Dogs.
“We always do breakaways (in practice),” Tynan said. “The guys are so skilled you know they’re going to score one, it’s just up to you to give them the best chance to win by not giving up any.”
Tynan admitted it was tough as the Otters stormed back after falling behind early.
“You just have to hang in there for your team. They played really good and kept the shots to the outside and it all worked out.”
Tynan, who came into the game with a 3.86 goals-against average and solid .911 save percentage, has now started four straight games for the IceDogs and seems to have, at least for the short term, claimed the starting job.
“It’s good. You just keep working hard in practice and get better every game,” he said. “I love it (heavy workload). I feel I’m in good condition for it and feel like if I get the opportunity, the hard work, everyone will see.”
IceDogs coach Billy Burke tipped his cap to Tynan.
“Right now Tucker is playing great for us,” Burke said. “He makes those timely saves.
“He’s so cool, so calm. His blood pressure never rises and it seems nothing rattles this guy. He has that quiet confidence and he believes in himself 100 per cent.”
The first period was a fan’s dream — five goals combined and a fight near the end of the period. The IceDogs jumped out to a 3-0 lead before the Otters potted a pair to narrow the gap to 3-2. One of Erie’s goals came off the stick of Niagara Falls native Kurtis Henry, much to the delight of his fan club seated behind the IceDogs net. Near the end of the period, Dakota Betts and Daniel D’Amato dropped the gloves while several others on the ice squared off as well, but were not called for fighting majors.
Jake Uberti netted his fifth of the season early in the second to put Niagara up 4-2 before Emmett Sproule got it back for Erie thanks to a strange bounce off the boards behind Tynan.
D’Amato then tied the game for the Otters with his 10th of the season.
The IceDogs lost defenceman Landon Cato with an apparent shoulder injury early in the first.
“He’s in a lot of pain. He’s a warrior, he’s a tough kid, but I think it’s going to take some time,” Burke said.
Ice cubes: Anthony Agostinelli, Cameron Snow, Ryan Campbell and Elijah Roberts were scratched for the IceDogs . . . Brendan Kischnick, Jacob Golden, Elias Cohen, Danial Singer, Marcus Gillard and Mathew MacDougall did not dress for the Otters . . . Former IceDog Drew Hunter logged a regular shift and picked up two assists for Erie . . . The Otters came into the game with the top penalty killing percentage (86.7) in the league. The IceDogs are 16th at 74.7 per cent . . . The 2019 St. Catharines Hall of Fame inductees were honoured before the game and were guests of the IceDogs.
IceDogs 5 Otters 4 SO
BPSN Star of the Game: Niagara goalie Tucker Tynan with 43 saves.
Niagara IceDogs: Philip Tomasino (12); Kyen Sopa (12); Jake Uberti (5); Andrew Bruder (4).
Erie Otters: Danial D’Amato (10); Emmett Sproule (7); Kurtis Henry (5); Connor Lockhart (2).
Game stats: Shots on goal: By Erie on Tucker Tynan (47), by Niagara on Aidan Campbell/Daniel Murphy (41); Power plays: Niagara 2-for-4, Erie 2-for-4; Penalty minutes: Niagara 15, Erie 15.
Attendance: 5,008
Up next: At Barrie Saturday and North Bay Sunday.
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