The battle of New Brunswick is no longer a one-sided war after the Saint John Sea Dogs edged the Moncton Wildcats in Game 3 of the QMJHL finals Tuesday night.

After dropping the first two games in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League finals, the Sea Dogs needed the win on home ice to get back into the series with their interprovincial rival.

The Sea Dogs roared out to a 5-1 lead heading into the third period but were then forced to hang on to a 6-4 win after a late charge by the Wildcats.

Sea Dogs centre Mike Kirkpatrick, who notched two of Saint John's goals, said Tuesday night's win was crucial.

"We needed that win tonight and we got it," Kirkpatrick said. "A big win for us and now we're right back in the series."

Mike Hoffman also scored two goals and added two assists for the Sea Dogs. Nicolas Petersen and Danick Gauthier also added for the home team.

The Moncton Wildcats were fuelled offensively by Gabriel Bourque, who scored two goals and tallied one assist. Randy Cameron also scored twice.

The teams head to Moncton for Game 4 on Friday.

Strong start

Sea Dogs head coach Gerard Gallant said it was important for his team to start the game strongly, considering how his squad played in the first two games of the playoff series.

"That's what we have to do when you're playing at home and you got embarrassed last game and you're down 2-0," Gallant said. "I didn't expect nothing else from our team and I was pretty happy with the way they competed."

Gallant said he was "definitely disappointed" with the team's last half of the third period, when the Wildcats were let back into the game.

Wildcats head coach Danny Flynn said he's pleased with his team's late recovery.

"Full marks to be up 5-1. They [the Sea Dogs] converted on their chances, they were good on their power play," Flynn said.

"But I felt we showed lots of heart and character and battled back in. We could've just thrown in the towel, but we chipped away and chipped away and closed it up."