IceDogs Blank Battalion 2-0 in Brampton to Take 2-0 Series Lead
March 27, 2011 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Niagara IceDogs News Release
Mark Visentin led the Niagara IceDogs to a 2-0 victory over the Brampton Battalion by stopping 27 shots to post the shutout and help gain the 2-0 series lead.
Ryan Strome and Freddie Hamilton also played a crucial role in the win by scoring the game's only two goals, while Mitchell Theoret had a solid physical game to add spark.
After being held pointless in game one, Strome opened the scoring at the 4:20 mark of the first as he let a wicked wrist-shot go from inside the circle on the left wing to beat Cody St. Jacques and give the 'Dogs a 1-0 lead. Dougie Hamilton and Milan Doudera picked up the assists on the play.
The physical tone set in game one was evident immediately in game two, as both teams were protecting their crease and throwing their weight around.
Both clubs had power play opportunities throughout the remainder of the first, but neither team converted and the score remained 1-0 in Niagara favour after 20 minutes.
Dougie Hamilton did however pick up his second minor penalty of the game for checking from behind with just seconds left in the first frame, so the Battalion would start the second period with a man advantage.
The IceDogs killed off Hamilton's penalty that started the second period, and Battalion forward Michael Santini received a tripping penalty shortly but the 'Dogs couldn't capitalize either and the score remained 1-0.
Battalion assistant captain Scott Tanski took another minor penalty later in the period, and Freddie Hamilton potted a beautiful goal on the power play with the help of Alex Friesen and Andrew Agozzino to increase the Niagara lead to 2-0.
Victor Terreri took a minor penalty for holding at the 13:51 mark and the Battalion created a few quality scoring chances, but Mark Visentin came up with some stellar saves to maintain Niagara's 2-0 lead.
After 40 minutes, the score would remain 2-0 in favour of the IceDogs. Shots were 23-16 also in Niagara's favour.
Ryan Strome took a high-sticking penalty early in the third to put the 'Dogs a man short, but the Battalion still couldn't find a way to beat Visentin, making them 0/5 on the power play.
Brampton controlled more play in the third than they did in either of the first two frames, taking over the lead on the shot clock (27-25) by peppering Visentin with pucks.
With a minute left in the third, the Battalion pulled their goaltender in efforts to tie the game.
The 'Dogs held on to their 2-0 lead largely due to Visentin's solid play between the pipes, and took a 2-0 series lead over the Battalion by picking up the huge road win.
Game three of the series will take place this coming Tuesday, Mar. 29 at 7 p.m. as the two teams will be back in Niagara to face-off once again at the Gatorade Garden City Complex.
Tickets for this game are still available and can be purchased at any IceDogs ticketing location, including the box office at the Gatorade Garden City Complex, which opens two hours prior to puck-drop at 5 p.m.
Ontario Hockey League Stories from March 27, 2011
- Majors Take Commanding Series Lead - Mississauga St. Michael's Majors
- Spirit Lose to Storm; Playoff Series Stands Even - Saginaw Spirit
- IceDogs Blank Battalion 2-0 in Brampton to Take 2-0 Series Lead - Niagara IceDogs
- One Line Wonders - Ottawa 67's
- Brown Locks it down, Spits Win in Double OT - Windsor Spitfires
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