(Amherst, NY) – The Jr. Sabres took an early lead then battled back to erase Oakville leads twice, but the Blades outdueled their hosts to win Game Two of this Ontario Junior Hockey League second round playoff series, 5-3, and take a two games to none lead in the best-of-seven series.
Max Mikowski opened the scoring at the 8:48 mark of the first period with a power play goal giving the Jr. Sabres the first lead of the game. Oakville responded with two goals, by Conor McGlynn and Brandon Denham.
Just one and a half minutes into the second period, Josh Kielich capped off linemate Nick Berst’s hard work with a goal that tied the game at 2-2. Oakville again took the lead on Martin Kudla’s goal but at the 14:51 mark, Tim Kielich scored on the power play to even the score at 3-3.
With just 21 seconds remaining in the second period, Oakville’s Tyler Karius scored what proved to be the game winning goal. Kyle Blaney tapped in an empty net goal set up by linemate Stefan Thompson late in the third to prevent any Buffalo comeback.
Parker Gahagen again got the start in front of the Buffalo net, turning aside 22 shots. Blades netminder James Prigione stopped 27 of Buffalo’s 30 shots on goal for the win.
Game Three will be held Saturday night in Oakville, with Game Four taking place Sunday evening at 7:00 back at the Northtown Center at Amherst.
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Buffalo’s Shane Bennett will be eligible to play in Game Three, having completed a two-game suspension incurred as the result of a pair of misconduct penalties in the final game of the Hamilton series.
Also out of the lineup in Game Two were David Seward (lower body injury) and Dylan Howatt (upper body injury). Seward may be ready to return by Game Four.
