The Niagara IceDogs are looking to get back to their winning ways tonight in Sudbury when they visit the Wolves at 7:35pm.

The IceDogs currently sit only one point behind of Ottawa for first in the Eastern Conference, with the two teams involved in a seesaw battle for that top spot.  As a result, every game is important as the IceDogs look to regain the conference lead and with a pair of Northerm battles left this weekend, Niagara will certainly be tested.

Friday, February 17^th at Sudbury Wolves

After a day of on Thursday, the IceDogs headed on a northern roadtrip which starts with a battle against the Wolves tonight in Sudbury.  The game is the sixth and final game between the two teams, with Niagara having a 2-1-0-2 record against the Wolves so far this season, and a 1-0-0-1 record in Sudbury. 

The last time the two teams met in Sudbury, the IceDogs came away with a 5-2 win.  While the result was desirable, the IceDogs lost both Dougie Hamilton and Ryan Strome because of that game, with Hamilton receiving a suspension for a hit and Strome having his nose broken by a punch from Brody Silk, which earned Silk a 12 game suspension.  The IceDogs will be hoping for a similar score to that game, but without losing any more players.

In order to pick up the win, the IceDogs will have to limit the effectiveness of a trio of top offensive players in Michael Sgarbossa, Andrey Kuchin, and Joshua Leivo who all are currently averaging over a point a game.  They will also have to find a way to solve goaltender Johan Mattson who has been solid all year and has a 2-1 record against Niagara so far this season.

Saturday, February 18^th at Sault Ste. Marie

After a divisional matchup on Friday night in Sudbury, the IceDogs will make their lone trip of the season to Sault Ste. Marie to take on the Greyhounds.  The game will be the first of the season between the two teams and sees Niagara take on a pair of former IceDogs in Andrew Fritsch and Mike Schwindt.

While the Greyhounds have struggled somewhat this season, they certainly cannot be underestimated, as they feature a lineup with nine NHL draft picks in it, including three-time American World Junior Goaltender and Dallas Stars first round pick Jack Campbell.

With a very talented team in the middle of a tough battle for one of the final playoff positions in the Western Conference, look for Sault Ste. Marie to give the IceDogs all they can handle.

These two remaining games on the weekend are the final part of the IceDogs longest road trip of the season.  When all is said and done, the IceDogs will have completed a five game road trip, which sees Niagara go two weeks between home games.  If they can finish the trip strong, it will go a long way in helping them move a little closer to their goal of finishing first place in the Eastern Conference.