Low scoring and strong goaltending have been the theme of the Kelly Cup Central Division Finals, and Game 5 was no different.
Colin Swoyer netted the game-winning goal with just 23.4 seconds left in regulation to give the Toledo Walleye a 2-1 victory in Fort Wayne over the Komets. Toledo takes a 3-2 lead in the series and can wrap it up with a win at home.
If shots on goal were the statistic that really mattered, the Komets would have dominated. But a 35-12 advantage in that department yielded only one goal for Fort Wayne.
The game was scoreless until the third period when the Komets struck first. At the 4:10 mark, a lucky turnover allowed Anthony Petruzzelli to light the lamp and give his club a 1-0 lead.
Walleye forward Tyler Spezia, who tallied the game-winning goal in double overtime the night before, tied the score 1-1 at 8:31 of the third frame.
It looked as if more bonus hockey would be required until Swoyer lit the lamp with just 23.4 seconds left in regulation, giving Toledo the win and putting the Komets on the brink of elimination.
The 12 shots on goal were a season-low for the Walleye, but they got the goals when it counted most.
Fort Wayne decisively outshot the Walleye in every period. However, goaltender Jan Bednar had one of the best games of his career in net, stopping 34 shots.
Game 5 is Saturday evening at the Huntington Center, with puck drop set for 7:15 Pm ET.