The Niagara IceDogs were defeated in a close 4-3 battle by the Ottawa 67's in the first game of a best of seven series.

The 67’s were the first to score, as Ottawa’s big guns Anthony Nigro and Cody Lindsay  teamed up to beat Mark Visentin after a defensive end turnover by the IceDogs.

Visentin made some key saves for the Dogs throughout the remainder of the first period, but Nigro’s goal was enough to give the 67’s a 1-0 lead going into the first intermission.  

Niagara answered back six minutes into the third on a power play, as Matt Petgrave blasted a shot from the point and Josh Moes tipped it past Chris Perugini to tie the game 1-1.

Ottawa did not wait long to regain their lead as Dalton Smith sped up the wing and wristed a perfect shot over Visentin’s shoulder, making the score 2-1.

The scoring exchange would only continue as Andrew Agozzino potted one for the IceDogs just one minute later to tie the game yet again.

When it rains, it pours. Andrew Agozzino kept it going for the IceDogs as he gave them their first lead of the game by going five-hole on Perugini after taking a beautiful breakaway pass from Freddie Hamilton.

Ottawa’s relentlessness would not cease as they tied the game with just 43 seconds left in the second, courtesy of Tyler Toffoli.

The two teams would head into the dressing room with an even score of 3-3 after 40 minutes of play.

The third period was scoreless until the 16:39 mark when Tyler Toffoli made an individual effort and banked the puck off the back of Visentin to pick up his second tally of the night and give his team an important 4-3 lead.

Ottawa would hang onto their 4-3 lead to take the first game of the best of seven series.

The next game takes place in Ottawa this Sunday, March 21 at 2:00 p.m. Fans can catch the game live on TVCOGECO or listen at 105.1 The River.

- Jeff Blay, Media Relations


Scoreboard:
1. OTT Nigro, (1) (Lindsay), 12:33    
2. NIAG Moes, (1) (Petgrave, Strome), 6:00 (PP)    
2. OTT Smith, (1) (Lindsay, Toffoli), 7:39    
2. NIAG Agozzino, (1) (Friesen), 8:40    
2. NIAG Agozzino, (2) (Hamilton), 14:06    
2. OTT Toffoli, (1) , 19:17    
3. OTT Toffoli, (2) (Gibbons, Demers), 16:39

Three Stars:
1. OTT - Tylar Toffoli
2. NIAG - Andrew Agozzino
3. OTT - Anthony Nigro