London, Ont. – The Western Mustangs returned home Saturday afternoon to take on the University of Toronto in game two of their first-round playoff matchup. The Toronto Varsity Blues emerged victorious in game one, making this a do-or-die contest.

The opening minutes of the game presented a back and forth affair, with both teams getting a good amount of scoring chances. Western would earn the first significant chance of the game about 10 minutes in when a Varsity Blue was sent to the box.

The Mustangs wasted no time finding the back of the net. Off the opening faceoff, a Mustang sent a shot to the net from the point which was deflected out in front by Sean Montgomery. Montgomery spoke about the goal after the game. 

"I was pretty open in front of the net, (Ethan) Syzpula did a good job of getting it to me there, and just managed to tip it in. Didn't really have to do much once I got the stick on it."

The goal gave the Mustangs their first lead of the series and put them in prime position to take a lead into the intermission with just 8 minutes left to play.

Toronto wasn't about to let the period end quietly, however, as they continued to string together high-quality scoring chances. The Mustang goaltender, Luke Peressini, proved to be up to the task as he stopped 15 shots total in the first period.

The second period started once again with both teams pouring on chances. About five minutes in, the Mustangs would have another powerplay opportunity. Once again, Western converted to push their lead to two.

Halfway into the period, Toronto would have a chance to answer with an extra-man opportunity of their own. This would soon turn into a two-man advantage as another Mustang made their way to the penalty box.

The Mustangs put in a gutty performance that allowed them to kill off the penalty. Soon after, they'd go back on the powerplay themselves as the two teams traded special-teams opportunities throughout the period.

Western found the net again to extend their lead to three goals in the dying moments of the second period. Peressini continued to shine, having made 30 saves by the period's end.

The Mustangs opened up the third period with a three-goal lead, but that would soon be cut back to two as the Varsity Blues scored in the first minute to find their first goal of the game.

Though the University of Toronto continued trying to claw their back into the game, they were unable to do so as Western tightened up. The final score would display a Western victory as the Mustangs skated away with a 3-1 victory. Head Coach Clark Singer spoke on the win after the game. 

"Our backs were against the wall, and I think we responded really well. Played a good game offensively, defensively and on special teams. We made some adjustments from Wednesday and now we have a chance to extend our season."

That chance will come tomorrow night in Toronto as the Mustangs take on the Varsity Blues in a winner-takes-all game 3 matchup.