DANBURY, Conn. — The Danbury Hat Tricks (22-19-3-3) erased a two-goal deficit and scored three unanswered goals to defeat the Philadelphia Rebels (18-22-2-6) 3–2 on Saturday night at the Danbury Ice Arena, completing a home-and-home series split.
After a scoreless opening period, Philadelphia struck quickly in the second to seize control. Jordan Brothers opened the scoring less than three minutes into the frame, finishing a net-front chance to give the Rebels a 1–0 lead. The strike marked the second goal in as many games for Brothers, who leads the team with 16. Less than three minutes later, Justin Vlassis doubled the advantage, burying a rebound to make it 2–0.
The Hat Tricks responded with urgency, and momentum swung sharply in their favor midway through the period. Brady Walters got Danbury on the board at 10:20 of the second, cutting the deficit in half. Danbury continued to press, outshooting Philadelphia in the frame, and was rewarded when Ludovik Gauvin tied the game less than a minute after the Walters goal, sending the teams into the second intermission deadlocked at 2–2.
Danbury completed the comeback early in the third period. Matt Dabrowski scored the eventual game-winning goal to put the Hat Tricks ahead for the first time on the night. Philadelphia pushed back over the final 15 minutes, generating multiple scoring chances and outshooting Danbury in the period, but was unable to solve goaltender Jon Dukaric again.
Dukaric turned aside 24 shots for Danbury, improving his record to 18 wins on the season. Ilja Nikitins made 30 saves for Philadelphia in a strong performance despite the loss.
The Rebels finished the night 0-for-1 on the power play, while Danbury converted once on four chances. Shots favored the Hat Tricks 33–26, including a dominant 14–2 edge in the first period.
The Rebels now turn their attention to the final stretch of the regular season as the East Division playoff race tightens.