The Trois-Rivieres Lions are one win away from punching their ticket to the Kelly Cup Final for the first time in franchise history.
Trois-Rivieres took a 3-2 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals Saturday with a 3-1 win over the Florida Everblades at Colisee Videotron.
The Lions, who were shut out in Game 4, were more aggressive in their approach during Game 5. They took control almost from the opening faceoff, generating several high-danger chances.
Florida had some opportunities too, including two shots that hit the post during a power play.
The Lions finally broke through against Everblades goaltender Cam Johnson when Tyler Hylland finally broke the deadlock with the Lions’ first goal in two games at the 14:47 mark of the first period.
Early in the middle frame, the Everblades tied the game on a power-play goal from Oliver Chau, scored just 12 seconds into a penalty to Jakov Novak.
Trois-Rivières responded with consistent pressure, directing 14 shots at Johnson in the period. Meanwhile, the Everblades only managed two shots on goal in the frame, and the score remained even heading into the final period.
The Lions struck early in the third, with Chris Jandric scoring a power-play goal at the 1:04 mark to restore the lead. From there, head coach Ron Choules’ squad tightened up defensively and allowed very few quality chances.
Florida attempted to mount an attack by outshooting the Lions 11-10 in the final frame, but couldn’t get anything past netminder Luke Cavallin.
Alex Beaucage sealed the win with an empty-net goal late in regulation, completing the 3-1 victory and putting the three-time Kelly Cup champions on the brink of playoff elimination.
Cavallin stopped 20 shots to earn the victory, while Everblades goalie Cam Johnson saved 30 in the loss.
The Toledo Walleye punched their ticket to the Kelly Cup Final with a win over Kansas City on Saturday, taking the Western Conference Finals series 4-1. They now await the winner of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Game 6 will take place Tuesday night at Hertz Arena in Estero, Florida. Puck drop is set for 7:30 Pm ET. If a Game 7 is necessary, that will also be played in Estero on Wednesday at that same time.