Wolves Snap Berlin's Streak with Win

 By Jay Harris 

Head Coach Phil Esposito and the Watertown Wolves looked to extend their winning streak as they faced the Berlin River Drivers at the Watertown Municipal Arena. Berlin came in on a 5-game winning streak, including wins against the Danville Dashers who are leading the Federal Hockey League Standings. 

The Wolves established a 2-0 lead by the end of the first period. New Wolf Joe Cangelosi would make the first goal on a pass from Colin McIntosh. The second goal was Jason Dolgy's first goal as a Wolf. Dolgy's was assisted by Justin Apcar-Blaszak and Mark Petaccio on a power play from Nick Wright's delay of game penalty. 

The action picked up in the second period. Scott Roy would walk to the locker room after receiving a puck to face and drawing blood. The River Drivers first goal of the night was a power play goal from David Brancik. The physicality would continue to pick up in the period. Edgar Ozolins took Mark Petaccio's legs out from under him, prompting Zach Dymock to let Ozolins know it wasn't appreciated with some sparring. The resulting penalties and a call on Mark Petaccio for cross checking set the teams on a 4-on-4 even strength where Berlin scored goal number two. The Wolves did not let Jiri Pestuka's goal take the wind out of their sails. With just ten seconds left in the period Kyle Powell gave the Wolves a 3-2 lead with assists from Jason Dolgy and Marley Keca. 

The Wolves held on to their lead in the third period to a 3-2 victory by killing all three of Berlin's power plays. The first star of the game was earned by Jason Dolgy. Goalie Danila Allistratov earned the second, and Kyle Powell was honored the third star. 

In a post-game discussion with Head Coach Phil Esposito, he mentioned how he felt the team got off to a slow start and that the magic wasn't as strong as the previous night's game. He was proud of the players for preventing the River Drivers from tying the game in the third period and credited a good part of that on Danilla Allistratov's net minding. He expects tonight's hard-fought win to motivate his players into Sunday's contest against the Danbury Titans, who they defeated the previous night. 

The Wolves will be back at the Watertown Municipal Arena on Friday, February 3rd for 70's night. Fans can purchase a Tie-Dye shirt from Victory Promotions for the event and get free admission. The puck will drop at 7:30.