Box Score Toronto, Ont. – The Western Mustangs played the University of Toronto Sunday night in the decisive contest of the teams' opening-round playoff matchup. The Varsity Blues emerged victorious in the first game, winning 6-2, while Western answered with a win of their own Saturday night in game two.
The game started as a chippy and defensive battle that did not see much in the way of scoring chances. Western was unable to register their first shot in goal until about halfway through the period, and the University of Toronto did not fare much better.
The few chances that were had were turned away by the goaltenders in a tight-checking affair. The period ended 0-0 with the Mustangs carrying a slight 8-6 shot-advantage into first intermission.
The second period started much as the first had, without much room to skate. Western continued their advantage in shots, but still nothing went in the net.
While both teams played a physical style, no penalties were called on either team as playoff rules applied. The first penalty of the game would finally come with just two minutes remaining in the period. A Mustang would earn the call, giving Toronto the first powerplay of the game.
The powerplay was short-lived as a Toronto player quickly went to the box themselves to set up an extended bout of 4-on-4 hockey.
4-on-4 hockey produced a slew of chances, but no goals as the second period ended with a scoreless game once again.
The period opened with an abbreviated 4-on-4, but once again, no goals materialized. Western finally broke the ice on a sharp-angled shot from the goal line. The Mustangs added to their lead moments later on a 2-on-1 odd-man rush.
Toronto nearly put their first goal of the game in, but it wouldn't count as the goal-scorer interfered with goaltender, Luke Peressini.
With 5:53 remaining in the game, the Varsity Blues struck to draw within one goal.
From there, the University of Toronto continued to pour on shots, but could not beat Peressini. The Mustangs added a third goal with an empty Varsity Blue net to seal the game and the series. Luke Peressini had two stellar performances to close the series out for Western, allowing just two goals over the final two contests.
With the win, Western knocked off the top-seeded University of Toronto in a thrilling series, moving on to the second round of the playoffs. The Mustangs will take on the Ryerson Rams to determine who moves on.
