Young ’Dogs learn playoff tricks
Decision to stay in Peterborough will allow players to maintain ‘home-game routine’
Class was in session Thursday night in Peterborough, where the young pups on the Niagara IceDogs got to experience playoff hockey at the Ontario Hockey League level for the first time.
While it was the No. 1 seed Petes, not eighth-seeded Niagara, earning the highest grade on the scoreboard in the 5-2 victory, IceDogs head coach Dave Bell nonetheless was happy with his team’s performance in the opening game in the best-ofseven Eastern Conference quarterfinal series.
“Twelve guys got a chance to experience playoff hockey for the first time,” he said. “We learned a lot, so I’m happy. Everything is about learning.”
The difference between competing in the playoffs and playing in the regular season can be night-and-die for rookies.
“You learn the intensity cranks up, you learn details get more finite,” said Bell, a one-time pro speaking from experience. “You learn the referees let you play a little more. Our guys went in eyes wide open and, hopefully, we learned from it.”
Unlike the IceDogs, who didn’t get their first shot on goal until more than four minutes into the game, the intensity on Peterborough’s part was there for the whole game. Bell wasn’t the least bit surprised by that.
“They’re a veteran team that’s
been to the playoffs, they went and acquired guys who’ve been through the playoffs rigours.”
He said the decision to remain on the road rather than coming home only to return Saturday will allow the IceDogs to maintain a “home-game routine.” Getting a chance to practise at Peterborough Memorial Centre is a bonus, too.
“They’re funny boards, so we can get another look at them tomorrow, but more importantly, guys will get into their beds tonight before midnight.”
Bell applauds the decision to remain in Peterborough. He said threehour bus rides and having to eat meals while travelling, rather than eating together at a “sit-down restaurant,” can take a toll on a team.
“We’ll just hunker down tomorrow relax and re-energize. It’s a significant difference.”
Peterborough already had five shots on net before the IceDogs got their first 4:17 into the game, but that sizzler was right on the mark. Kirill Maksimov, flying down the right wing, snapped a shot from the outside of the faceoff circle that beat Petes netminder Dylan Wells top shelf.
Niagara thought it had a two-goal lead when it appeared the puck had gone in and out of the net in the blink of an eye, but Peterborough scored before game officials had a chance to stop the play and review the video.
Had the IceDogs won the challenge, the Petes’ goal would not have counted as play should have been called.
Niagara lost a second challenge when it was ruled a puck on a rebound in front of the Peterborough crease was intentionally gloved into the back of the net.
Peterborough scored four more goals, all with the teams playing at even strength, before Danial Singer brought the IceDogs to within three.
Backup Colton Incze played the final 10 minutes for his first OHL playoff action in place of Dhillon who allowed five goals on 36 shots.
’Dog Biscuits: Workhorses faced each other between the pipes at opposite ends of the ice in the opening game of the first-round series … Stephen Dhillon stopped a leaguehigh 2,114 shots in 59 regular-season games for the IceDogs, while St. Catharines native Dylan Wells saw action in 52 games for the Petes … The IceDogs opted to remain on the road and practise at Peterborough Memorial Centre rather than return home between games and practise somewhere other than their home ice at Meridian Centre, which is configured for Niagara River Lions basketball … Wells was playing in his first OHL playoff game in his third season with the Petes.