The Lakeshore Canadiens held off a challenge by the Lambeth Lancers to take the lead in their playoff series.
The Canadiens beat the Lancers 3-2 Saturday night at the Atlas Tube Centre, taking a 3-2 lead in their PJHL Western Conference Finals series. Lakeshore can advance to the Schmalz Cup playoffs as soon as Sunday evening.
There was no scoring in the first period, and each team had two power play opportunities.
Connor Rosaasen opened the scoring for the Canadiens at 1:31 in the middle period. Matt Smith doubled the Lakeshore lead over three and a half minutes later, then Liam Hogan scored shorthanded later in the frame for a 3-0 Canadiens lead. The Lancers got on the board at 18:02 when Andrew Fletcher scored his first of the game.
Fletcher scored his second goal of the game on an unassisted goal at 6:02, but Lambeth was unable to tie the game.
Erik Morneau took the win for Lakeshore, with 25 saves in goal. Zack Weir had 31 saves in the loss for the Lancers.
Puck drop for Game 6 is 7:30pm Easter night at Lambeth.
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The London Nationals needed two overtime periods to beat the St. Thomas Stars 2-1 at the Western Fair Centre.
The Nationals now hold a commanding 3-0 lead in the GOJHL Western Conference Finals and can go for the sweep Tuesday night.
Carson Brookshaw scored first for the Nationals, on the power play at 12:06 in the first stanza.
There was no scoring in the second period. London had two power play chances while St. Thomas had one. The Stars outshot the Nationals 10-5 in the frame.
Brett Fisher scored on the power play at 49 seconds into the third period to tie the game for the Stars, eventually forcing overtime.
The first overtime period passed without a score, and no penalties.
Colin Wilson scored his overtime winner at 7:18 in the second extra period.
David Ovsjannikov stopped all but one of St. Thomas' 32 shots in goal for London. Anthony Hurtubise had 42 saves for the Stars.
Game 4 of the best-of-seven series is Tuesday night at St. Thomas.