The Edmundston Blizzard and Yarmouth Mariners are both in a position to punch their tickets to the MHL Final with just one more win.
Kyle Ward would provide some overtime magic as the Blizzard took a 3-2 series lead in Edmundston last night with a 5-4 win over the Summerside Western Capitals in Game 5 of their Eastlink North Division Final series. The two teams traded goals throughout regulation in this back and forth affair, starting with Kyle Ward’s first of two on the night at the 9:09 mark of the first. That would send the Blizzard into the dressing room after 20 minutes with the advantage. All three goals in the second period would come in a span of just 45 seconds. The Caps stormed back in the second period, connecting on goals from Chris Chaddock and Kallum Muirhead at the 16:02 and 16:37 marks, respectively. Just ten seconds after Muirhead put Summerside ahead, the Blizzard would tie things up at two on a tally by Alexandre Jacob. It was another offensive showdown in the third period. Logan Johnston’s sixth of the postseason once again gave the Blizzard the lead less than five minutes into the period. Cam Roberts would tie things up once again with his sixth of the playoffs with just over six minutes to go in the third. Alexandre Jacob’s powerplay goal, his second of the night and team leading seventh of the playoffs, would pull Edmundston ahead once more at the 17:49 mark. The Caps would not go quietly however, as TJ Shea potted his sixth goal of the postseason, tying him with Roberts and Chaddock for the team lead in that department, just 35 seconds later. That goal would also send the game into overtime. 10:52 into the second overtime, Ward’s second of the game and sixth of the playoffs would end the entertaining contest, giving the Blizzard the series advantage. Francis Asselin earned the win in nets for Edmundston, making 32 saves. Dominik Tmej turned aside 40 shots for Summerside.
Game 6 of the Eastlink North Division Final is set to take place on Monday night in Summerside. Game time is 7PM.
Meanwhile in Yarmouth, the Mariners are preparing to host the South Shore Lumberjacks in Game 5 of their best of seven Eastlink South Division Final tonight at 7PM. The Mariners hold a 3-1 advantage in the series and are looking to advance to the league final for the first time since 2012. The Lumberjacks staved off elimination on Friday night in Bridgewater with a 2-1 victory in Game 4. Aiden Casey opened the scoring for the Lumberjacks 4:14 into the third period. Luc Poirier would tie things up for Yarmouth with his fourth goal of the postseason just 47 seconds later. After a scoreless second period, Samuel Cyr-Ledoux would provide the game winner for South Shore midway through the period. Connor McCollum stopped 33 shots for the Lumberjacks, including 14 in the third period to preserve the win. Thomson Phinney made 24 saves for the Mariners.
The MHL Division Finals – as well as all games during the 2018 MHL playoffs – are available for viewing at mhl.hockeytv.com.
Will MacLaren – themhl.ca