(Halifax, N.S) – The Dalhousie Tigers (7-13-3) scored two goals in the final nine minutes of play to overcome a one-goal deficit and top the Moncton Aigles Bleus (9-13-1) 5-4 on Wednesday night at the Dalplex.
Special teams played a huge factor, as three of the Tigers markers, including both in the final frame, came with the man-advantage. Moncton responded with two powerplay goals of their own in the loss.
The first period was a tightly contested affair, with a combined 27 shots, 18 of which came from the Aigles Bleus. Dalhousie was able to capitalize on their first powerplay opportunity at 6:05, while Moncton answered back on a double-minor at 14:51.
Forward Andrew Wigginton (Sackville, NS) recorded the special teams marker for the Tigers, deflecting in a Myles McGurty pass to give the home side an early lead. Defenceman Pierre Durepos (Shediac, NB) responded for the Aigles Bleus on a shot from the point, as the two teams entered the first intermission tied at one.
The second period was a goal-scoring frenzy, as the two teams combined for five tallies.
Durepos would net his second of the game at 5:05 on the powerplay to give the visitors a one-goal lead. Wigginton was able to respond with his second goal at 6:33 to even the score yet again, before Dalhousie retook the lead at 12:02 on forward Steven Johnston's (Sudbury, ON) unassisted goal.
The Aigles Bleus answered back with two goals in the final four minutes of play however, and took a 4-3 lead into the second intermission. Forwards Carl Marois (Montmagny, QC) and Steve Lebel (Lemoyne, QC) would provide the offence for Moncton at 16:17 and 18:52, respectively.
The Tigers would pull away with the win in the third period thanks to their powerplay. Forward Andrew Reider (Regina, SK) was able to tie the game up at 11:23, and defenceman Myles McGurty (Hoboken, NJ) would score the eventual game winner just under a minute later.
The Tigers next action goes on Friday, as they travel to take on StFX, while the Aigles Bleus will battle the X-Men the following night at home.