Ontario took advantage of two power-play goals and an empty-netter to defeat Idaho 5-3 on Wednesday night at CenturyLink Arena.

"We were tired," Idaho coach Brad Ralph said.

The Steelheads played three games at Mountain Division-leading Alaska last week, and won all three contests. But those wins came at a price, as Idaho was unable to keep up with Ontario on its home ice.

"Those road trips take a lot out of you," Ralph said.

Idaho forward Brett Robinson opened the scoring with a goal less than 4 minutes into the first period, but Ontario answered with two first-period goals and didn't trail again.

Tyler Gron scored the other two goals for the Steelheads (42-17-7), who will get two more chances against Ontario. The teams play again Friday and Saturday nights as Idaho plays its final home series of the regular season.

Ralph told his players to take Thursday off.

"It's certainly not a reward, by any means," he said. "But we need to look at the big picture, and I think it's the right thing to do."