Tenacious Ho-Sang goal keys Ice Dogs comeback in Game 1 win over Barrie

Before the Islanders anxiety machine gets up to full speed in anticipation of Friday night's Game 5 against the Panthers, let's take a minute to discuss another playoff series that's just gotten started far away from either Brooklyn or Florida.

The OHL's Eastern Conference finals began last night and after two and a half periods, the Barrie Colts led the Niagara Ice Dogs 2-0. But what looked like a sure Game 1 victory turned into an epic collapse thanks to three Niagara goals being scored in a little over a minute, one by Islanders draft pick Joshua Ho-Sang.

Barrie's Andrew Mangiapane (man, I love that name) scored short-handed at 10:56 of the third to give the Colts some insurance and a 2-0 lead. But about 30 seconds later, Niagara's Blake Siebenaler got the Ice Dogs on the board with a goal on the same power play.

Less than a minute later, Ho-Sang would tie the game with his fourth goal of the playoffs. He pounces on a rebound left by Barrie goalie Mackenzie Blackwood, and doesn't give up until the bouncing puck is in the net, even still whacking at it while falling to his knees and punching it out of the air.

But the Ice Dogs weren't done. A mere 14 seconds after Ho-Sang's goal, Jordan Maletta scored what would be the game winner, giving Niagara a 1-0 lead in the series and leaving Barrie searching for answers.

"I couldn't even tell you (what happened)," Magiapane said in a televised interview following the game. "It's one we can't let slip away."

Ho-Sang's goal was his only point in the game, but he had seven shots. The recap and video highlights of the game are here. He has 16 points (four goals, 12 assists) in 10 playoff games this Spring.

If you want more Ho-Sang analysis, Niagara GM and head coach Marty Williamson stopped by Sportsnet's Junior podcast with Jeff Marek to discuss why the kid is ready to turn pro. Plays like that are a good indication he might be on to something.