(MONCTON, N.B.) Three first-period goals from UPEI in less than 90 seconds paved the way for the Panthers' 4-0 win over the Moncton Aigles Bleus in Game 2 of the Subway AUS Men's Hockey Playoff quarterfinals Saturday in Moncton.
The Panthers earned a 3-2 win in overtime at home in Game 1 of the best-of-three series Thursday. Brent Andrews was the overtime hero in Game 1 for the Panthers.
UPEI's first period dominance in Game 2 began with a Gabe Guertler goal off a wrist shot at 12:47. Sam Aulie and Tanner McCabe assisted on what would eventually be the game-winner.
Less than 30 seconds later, Beau McCue made good on a two-on-one opportunity and added the first insurance goal unassisted.
Riley Whittingham added the Panthers' third goal in a minute and 22 seconds on a breakaway at 14:09. Doug Blaisdell picked up the assist.
The game remained scoreless until 19:53 of the closing period when Guertler added an empty net goal for UPEI.
The Panthers narrowly outshot the Aigles Bleus 29 to 27. UPEI netminder Matthew Mancina was named Subway Player of the Game for his 29 saves in the win. Moncton's Etienne Monpetit made 24 saves in the loss.
Moncton's Thierry Comtois was named player of the game for Moncton.
The Panthers now advance to play a best-of-five semi-final series against either the UNB Reds or the Saint Mary's Huskies.
Their opponent will depend on the outcome of the other quarterfinal series between StFX and Acadia. That series is set to wrap up tonight in Antigonish.
All post season games can be streamed at AUStv.ca. The Subway AUS Men's Hockey Championship best-of-three final series will be available via webcast on AUStv and will also be televised on Bell Aliant's TV1.