Huskies take 2-1 lead in best-of-five series with 3-2 road win over Axemen

(WOLFVILLE, N.S.) - Anthony Peters stopped 41-of-43 shots on goal to lead the CIS No. 5-ranked Saint Mary's Huskies to a 3-2 win and 2-1 lead in their best three-of-five Subway AUS semifinal series with the No. 8-ranked Acadia Axemen.

Pat O'Keefe opened the scoring in the first period on a power-play late in the period at 18:27.

With 22 seconds remaining in the first frame, senior forward Andrew Clark scored his first of the playoffs, also on the power-play to tie the game at one after 20 minutes.

The first period saw six penalties assesed, four of which went to Acadia including a two and 10 minute misconduct to Mike Cazzola for contact to the head.

The last of three power-play goals came four minutes into the second period when Dustin Ekelman netted his second of the post season to give Acadia their first lead of the game.

The Huskies bounced back when Ryan Gottschalk tied the game nine minutes into the second period.

Out-shot by a 25-22 margin after two periods, the Huskies found themselves against the wall for the final frame.

With a 18-9 shots-on-net third period advantage, the Axemen were unable to put the puck past Peters, allowing the Huskies to regain the lead on a Cory Tanaka goal just four and a half minutes into the third.

Acadia was able to convert two-of-six power-play opportunities, while Saint Mary's went one-for-four with five shots on net.

Peters was named the Subway First Star of the Game for his performance between the posts, while Axeman Andrew Clark was named second star. Tanaka was named third star for his game winning-goal.

Game four of the best three-of-five series takes place in Wolfville Sunday night at 7:00pm.

If the Axemen are able to pull off a win, the series will be extended to game five back at the Halifax Forum on Tuesday Night.

All games of the 2013 Subway AUS men's hockey playoffs are available via webcast at www.AUStv.ca.

Source: Acadia Sports Information