The first round playoff series between the Niagara IceDogs and the Mississauga St.Michael's Majors continued tonight at the Hershey Centre in Mississauga. The Dogs jumped out to the 1-0 series lead last night in St.Catharines, and they looked to take a commanding two games to none lead in the series tonight at their old stomping grounds. Normally a road game is considered a disadvantage for the visiting team, however the Hershey Centre is a familiar setting for the Dogs as it was the home of the IceDogs when they played in Mississauga. Add to this the fact that many Niagara fans made the short trip down the QEW to cheer on the boys and at times it felt like Niagara had the home team advantage.

However, for the second time in as many nights, it was the Majors who looked to have the early advantage, as the IceDogs were slow to get started. But for the second game in a row it was the goaltending of Sebastian Dahm that kept the IceDogs in the game in the first period, as the Dogs were outshot by the Majors 15-7. The Dogs did not help their goalie in the first, taking three early penalties, one of which led to a Mississauga power play goal. Kaspars Daugavins (1) beat Dahm at the 9:35 mark of the first to give the Majors their first goal of the series and the early 1-0 lead. However, this lead did not last for long as Alex Pietrangelo (1) tied things up at the 13:21 mark, with a shot that beat Majors goaltender Chris Carrozzi who was screened beautifully by Chris DeSousa in front.

The IceDogs seemed to come out of the gates with more energy in the second period. The Dogs did not back down from the physical style of play that the Majors were dishing out. At times in the second, Mississauga players tried to get the IceDogs players to drop the gloves but cooler heads prevailed, at least on the part of the IceDogs. Midway through the period, Niagara forward Alex Friesen was awarded the penalty shot after being hauled down by a Mississauga player on the break away. Friesen looked to go five hole on Carrozzi but the Majors goalie came up with the big save to keep the game tied at one. However, Alex Pietrangelo (2) broke the tie at the 12:58 mark of the second period with his second goal of the game. Petro took the return pass from Jordan Foreman and fired the shot from the high slot to beat Carrozzi, giving the Dogs the 2-1 lead. The IceDogs would add to this lead with only seventeen seconds remaining in the second period, wiht a goal that would essentially seal the game for the Dogs. With defenseman Josh Day in the penalty box, Stefan Legein (2) worked his magic on the penalty kill, taking the pass from Jordan Foreman and then beating Carrozzi five hole, for the short handed marker.

Legein's goal seemed to deflate the Majors and any hopes of a comeback. Mississauga could not beat Dahm in the third period and when it was all said and done the IceDogs escaped with a 3-1 victory.

The three stars of the game were awarded to: Alex Pietrangelo- 2G (1st Star), Chris Carrozzi- 21 saves (2nd Star) and Sebastian Dahm- 32 saves (3rd Star). Honourable mention goes to Stefan Legein who picked up three points on the night with one goal and two assists, as well as Jordan Foreman who added two assists in the contest.

With the win the Dogs jump out to a 2-0 series lead over the Majors. The Dogs look to continue to their winning ways on Sunday March 23rd when they return home to the Gatorade Garden City Complex to take on the Majors in Game 3. Fans are reminded that the puck drops at a special start time of 7:30 p.m. Tickets for Game 3 can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.ca, at the Customer Service Desk at the Pen Centre on Saturday (all day), or at the arena box office beginning at 12 noon on Sunday. Get your tickets now and come out and support your team Niagara.