The Oakville Blades could clinch their first round playoff series on Saturday night after beating the St. Michael's Buzzers 8-1 on Friday night at Sixteen Mile Sports Complex.
It took the Blades six minutes to find the back of the net first. After four goals from #27 in the past two games, Josh Kosack got things rolling with a nice tap in right around the crease, giving his team the 1-0 lead early. For Kosack, the Union College commit has been one of the most dominant players on the Blades, clicking well on the first line after a 68-point regular season.
The Blades were hungry for more, and after scoring the first two goals in both of their victories at home in the playoffs, they were able to do the same once again. This time, unlikely goal scorer Michael Mannara added his name to the playoff goal scorers list, picking up a rebound from Kosack just in front of the crease before firing it high over Mark Manolescu and in for the 2-0 lead.
The lead increase continued. With just under two minutes to go in the first, Drew Worrad took a shot off of a quick face off win by Jackson Bales, beating Manolescu up high for the 3-0 lead.
Then, with 35.8 seconds left, another unlikely scorer found the back of the net. This time, Peyton Reeves got his own rebound on a shot, giving his team the big 4-0 advantage heading into the second stanza.
A goalie switch by the Buzzers, who elected to go with Jake McGrath for the final 40 minutes, gave the visitors a bit of momentum. A few minutes into the frame, Sean Kohler picked up his own rebound in close on Brendan McGlynn, knocking it in for the 4-1 goal.
Kosack wanted to get back at his old Blades buddy by restoring Oakville's four goal lead. With time coming to a close in the second, Josh Kosack would beat McGrath with a nice shot from a few feet out, scoring his sixth goal in three games to give his team an even bigger lead.
With under two minutes left in the second, the Blades were able to make it 6-1. Patrick Kudla added his name to the scoresheet. With time ticking down, his hard slap shot went off a stick in front and in, making it 6-1 Blades. It was also Kosack's fourth point of the night, proving how strong the offensive marksman can be in important situations.
Everything was going well for the Blades, who looked very strong at home all year long. With half the third still to go, Worrad was able to grab his second of the night after going bar down on McGrath, making it 7-1 for the home town squad. His good friend Jackson Bales would add a late goal to give the Blades the 8-1 lead, an advantage that would obviously stick to give the Blades the 3-2 series lead.
With the win, Oakville can wrap up their first series victory of the year with a win over the Buzzers on Saturday night. Puck drop is set for 7:00 pm at St. Michael's College Arena, hope to see you there!