Dominik Bartecko recorded 5 points and Dominick Rivelli tied the franchise record for goals in a season as the Titans scored 4 goals in the third period en route to a 6-2 victory over the Johnstown Tomahawks on Saturday night at the Middletown Sports Complex.
Looking to avenge last night’s loss, New Jersey struck first when Leo Schwartz found the back of the net from the blue line 12 minutes into the game. Matej Teply and Dominik Bartecko picked up the helpers on the Brown commit’s 4th of the season. The Titans would take that lead into the first period, outshooting Johnstown by a 14-5 margin.
New Jersey doubled their lead nearly halfway through the second period when a seeing eye shot from Simon Becar fooled the goaltender for his 2nd of the season. Bartecko had the lone assist, but the Titans found themselves back in a one goal game when the Tomahawks scored on the power play with 3:04 to go in the period. Johnstown outshot New Jersey 12-10 in the period, setting the stage for a decisive third.
The Titans went on the power early in the third, and this time Bartecko took care of business himself by potting his 27th of the season, assisted by Meshcheryakov and Johnny McMahon. The Tomahawks responded three minutes later to again draw within one, but a pair of New Jersey goals squashed any hope of a comeback. Skating four on four, Dominick Rivelli wired home an Odin Ford drop pass for his 29th of the season, tying Michael Young’s franchise record. Ryan Novo had the other assist, though the Titans wanted more. Meshcheryakov made it so 41 seconds later with his 21st of the year, taking a drop pass from Bartecko before deking a defenseman and the goalie down to the ice. Kyle Kim got the secondary assist, and now has 8 points in his last 10 games. Bartecko added another goal late for his second of the game and 28th of the year, assisted by Jake Geraci and Meshcheryakov, to put the exclamation mark on the game.
Dylan Krick stopped 24 of 26 shots to record his 12th victory of the year in his first start since February 27th against Philadelphia. New Jersey moves within 6 points of the Tomahawks for 4th place in the division, now holding a record of 32-22-3, good for 67 points.
The Titans will begin their second week of 3 games in 6 days when they host the Philadelphia Rebels for the final time on Tuesday, April 2nd, at 7:00pm at the Middletown Sports Complex. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased by following this link.