FAIRBANKS, ALASKA- The prospect of snapping a 9-game winless streak looked bleak for the Fairbanks Ice Dogs Saturday night. Down 3-0 to the Kenai River Brown Bears five minutes into the second period, seemingly headed to a fifth consecutive series of being swept. Then the spark came. Veteran forward McCabe Dvorak found space out front to bury home the rebound of a Caden Pendo shot to put the Dogs on the board at 6:47 of the second period and ignite a sold-out Big Dipper Ice Arena.
Justin Biraben found Joey Potter in transition, who weaved past a defender and roofed a shot over the right shoulder of Nils Walstrom to bring the Dogs to within one. Local product Billy Renfrew banged home the rebound of his own shot to tie the game 3-3 headed into the third period. Midway through the third, Sam Berry threaded a backhanded pass across the crease for a Cameron Ricotta tap-in to give the Dogs their first lead of the series at 4-3.
Jack Olson stood tall after a shaky start to record 27 saves, Top Gun honors, and the win in net of a 4-3 Ice Dogs victory.
Now the Dogs are very much alive for playoff contention despite the recent struggles. The Dogs sit in 5th place, just back of the Chippewa Steel, whom they host next weekend for the final regular-season series at the Dip. There are many scenarios that get the Dogs into the postseason, but it all begins with two wins April 7-8.
