The New Jersey Titans took a blustery trip down the NJ Turnpike to meet the Philadelphia Rebels on Tuesday night at the Hollydell Ice Arena in Sewell, NJ. They needed to come from behind, but ultimately emerged victorious in the shootout for their 18th win of the season, jumping into 5th place in the crowded East Division.
A scoreless first period saw New Jersey goaltender Dylan Krick stop all 18 shots sent his way, before Arhip Sidarovich got the Titans on the board 22 seconds into the 2nd period. Ethan Wongus and Matej Teply assisted on the big Belarussian’s 4th of the season. The lead would not last long, with the Rebels scoring 1:26 later to tie the game. They would then take the lead on the power play late in the period, sending the Titans to the second intermission down 2-1.
Neither team was able to generate much offense in the third, with the Titans’ first shot on goal coming after 8:56 had clicked off the clock. Nikita Meshcheryakov would be tripped in the offensive zone minutes later, giving the Titans a power play. While they did not convert on the man advantage, going 0 for 3 on the night, they kept the offensive momentum going until Matej Teply ripped a wrist shot off the near side post to draw New Jersey level. Dominik Bartecko and Meshcheryakov picked up the helpers on Teply’s 4th of the season. With no more goals scored in regulation, the Titans and Rebels headed to overtime for the second time in four meetings this season.
The extra frame would not provide an answer, so New Jersey went to a shootout for the second time this year. Dylan Krick stopped all three shots he faced, and Nikita Meshcheryakov scored in the third round to secure the extra point for the Titans. With the win, the Titans are now 18-14-2, 7 points clear of a playoff spot. They will be idle this weekend before skating on home ice January 19th at 7:30pm against the Maine Nordiques.