It seems when the Wolves need a win to get themselves out of a slump, they look to the Niagara IceDogs.
Sunday afternoon, they took advantage of a big third-period comeback to win 5-3 at Niagara’s Gatorade Garden City Complex. The Wolves scored four goals in a span of 2:02 of the third, erasing a 3-1 IceDogs lead in the process.
Nick Baptiste had a hat trick and now has 35 goals on the season.
"We worked hard on playing with energy the whole game and it paid off," said Baptiste. "We got some quick goals and they looked rundown, so we kept taking it to them.
“We're happy with the win, but we have a quick turnaround with a game tomorrow and we have to make sure we're ready to take those two points, as well.”
Trevor Carrick scored twice for the Wolves, and is showing signs of adjusting to his new team. Carrick went 15 games without a goal after being acquired by the Wolves just before the trade deadline, but now scored three in two games.
Wolves head coach Paul Fixter said he liked the way his team persevered.
"We were playing pretty well," said Fixter. "We already had three regulars out of the lineup, then we lost Nathan Pancel in the second period. We changed the lines around and found some chemistry. When we scored our second goal, the guys started to feel better about themselves and then it seems everything we threw at the net went in."
Rookie netminder Troy Timpano kept up his strong play versus Niagara – four of his five victories this season have come against the IceDogs. With the win, the Wolves are now 29-17-3-6 on the season, with their road record back to the .500 mark at 11-11-3-4.
While happy with the win, Fixter was reluctant to say the game marked a turnaround of his slumping team's fortunes. It was just the second win this month for the Wolves, who have lost four times in February, including 6-3 Friday at home against Windsor.
"I know it was a much needed win just for our psyche and our morale," said Fixter. “Turning point? I don't know. We just have to keep winning and stay first place in our division. The way to do that is keep winning."
Sudbury's road trip continues Monday with a 2 p.m. start against the Mississauga Steelheads.
GAME NOTES:
Wolves scratches: Craig Duininck (upper body), Jeff Corbett (upper body) and Dominik Kahun (sick).
Wolves outshot the IceDogs 36-30.
The game was the Wolves last regular season visit to the Gatorade Garden City Complex. The IceDogs move into a new rink next season.
