Radim Salda's first QMJHL goal at 15:36 of the third period ended up being the game-winner as the Sea Dogs defeated the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles by a score of 3-1.
Salda, Daniel Hardie and Landon Quinney all scored in the win. Alex D'Orio had another strong game, making 22 saves.
The victory comes after several close loses for the Sea Dogs, who were no doubt getting frustrated by their final results. Given D'Orio's reaction to the final horn sounding, the win is no doubt a relief for the team.
Drake Batherson had Cape Breton's lone goal in what was a very entertaining, back-and-forth affair. Kevin Mandolese made 33 stops in the loss.
Cole Reginato had the first good chance of the game, firing a shot off the post. That led to some good back-and-forth action for much of the period with both teams skating hard.
The Screaming Eagles were awarded the first power play of the game at 12:03 when Reginato was called for a cross check. While shorthanded, Alexandre Lafreniere had a breakaway but was denied by Mandolese.
Back at even strength, Egor Sokolov nearly scored on a wraparound but couldn't quite get a shot off.
Despite not scoring, Saint John had a great opening period offensively, outshooting the Screaming Eagles 17-6.
Batherson opened the scoring just 43 seconds into the middle frame, beating D'Orio with a deke to his backhand while on a breakaway.
Saint John applied some strong pressure not long after the Eagles broke the ice. Alexis Girard pinched in and nearly scored and then Nathan Larose almost connected on the rebound opportunity.
The Sea Dogs went to the power play at 8:38 but couldn't get much going. The Screaming Eagles had a couple of good chances following the penalty, which was followed by the Dogs getting some opportunities. Finally, at 11:17, Ostap Safin broke in and fed Hardie with a perfect pass at the top of the crease, making it a 1-1 game.
The Eagles had their chances to retake the lead in the period's final moments, but D'Orio made several big saves - including a Sokolov breakaway.
Leon Gawanke nearly put Cape Breton in front early in the third period, beating D'Orio but not the post. Then, near the midway mark of the frame, the puck bounced off the top of net and in front of D'Orio but stayed out.
At 11:58, Sacha Roy was given a double minor for interference and unsportsmanlike conduct. On the ensuing power play, Salda wound up and ripped a bomb past Mandolese's glove, making it 2-1 Saint John at 15:36.
The Eagles pulled their netminder with 2:05 to play. With 46.8 seconds remaining, Quinney hit the empty net to secure the victory.
LINEUP
SCRATCHESHere's today's #SJSeaDogs lineup brought to you by @CantrburyDental. #AlwaysWearYourMouthguard pic.twitter.com/rgcS2P2EHl— Saint John Sea Dogs (@SJSeaDogs) October 1, 2017
The Sea Dogs were without forwards Samuel Leblanc (upper body), Isiah Campbell (healthy) and Kevin Gursoy (healthy); defenceman Marcus Tesink (healthy) and Bryson Michel; and goaltender Cody Porter (healthy).
NOTES
Associate coach Jeff Cowan ran the bench with head coach Josh Dixon away from the team. Dixon's wife is expected to go into labour soon... goaltender/video coach Brian Fleming acted as an assistant coach... Matthew Williams returned from injury and backed up Alex D'Orio... the Screaming Eagles have played four games but faced just two teams: Saint John and Bathurst... Declan Smith and Alexandre Lafreniere dropped the gloves in the third period... Hardie and Salda each had a goal and an assist in the win.
NEXT GAME
The Sea Dogs host the Acadie-Bathurst Titan at 7 p.m. on Wednesday night.
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