The Niagara IceDogs were slightly edged by the Ottawa 67’s in a close 3-1 battle, giving Ottawa the 2-0 series lead as the two teams head to Niagara for games three and four of a best of seven series.

Thomas Nesbitt opened the scoring just two and a half minutes into the first period to give the 67’s an early 1-0 lead. 

The two teams would exchange a few penalties throughout the remainder of the first – most notably Mike Schwindt taking on Corey Cowick after his hit on Dylan MacEachern. That is where the action would cease, and Ottawa took a 1-0 lead into the first intermission.

Nesbitt got the lone goal in the first, and he did it again in the second as he went bar-down on Mark Visentin to pick up his second goal of the game, giving the 67’s a 2-0 lead.

Niagara finally came back on the power play as Dylan MacEachern blasted a beautiful shot from the top of the circle past Chris Perugini to cut the 67’s lead to 2-1.

Ottawa would hold onto their 2-1 lead after two periods of play, and the shots were 23-21 in favour of the 67’s.

The third period was scoreless, and the IceDogs pulled goaltender Mark Visentin late in the period in efforts to tie the game. Unfortunately, Ottawa was able to clear the zone and Thomas Nesbitt potted his hat-trick goal in the empty net to give his team a comfortable 3-1 lead.

The score would remain 3-1 in favour of the 67’s, and Ottawa would take a 2-0 lead in the series.

With one day to rest and address their weaknesses, coupled with the support of the loyal IceDogs fans, the Dogs will strive to break even in the series as they head back to Niagara for the next two games.

The playoff action resumes this Tuesday, March 23 at 7:30 p.m. at the Gatorade Garden City Complex in Niagara. The IceDogs will also play host to the 67’s in game four of the series on Thursday, March 25, also at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for these games are still available for purchase at any IceDogs ticketing location.

IceDogs Line of the Game: Dylan MacEachern, Johnson Andrews, Marco Insam – most hits thrown by any line, great puck cycling in Ottawa’s zone. 

- Jeff Blay, Media Relations


Scoreboard:
1. OTT Nesbitt, (1) (Ceci), 2:31   
2. OTT Nesbitt, (2) (Prince), 10:43   
2. NIAG MacEachern, (1) (Gronvaldt, Strome), 14:37 (PP)   
3. OTT Nesbitt, (3) (Nigro), 19:08 (EN)

Three Stars:
1. OTT - 9 Thomas Nesbitt
2. OTT - 30 Chris Perugini
3. NIAG - 29 Mark Visentin