A tough second half of the game resulted in a 4-1 loss for the Oakville Blades on Tuesday, allowing the Burlington Cougars to take a 2-1 series lead.
The first period was highlighted with penalties. Both teams continued on with their typically physical matches. Unfortunately for the Blades, that meant they played most of the game without 2017 NHL Draft prospect Ian Blacker, who was ejected following a hit from behind with seven minutes left in the first period.
Netiher team found the back of the net in the second, but a goal-stricken Josh Kosack would break the tie early in the second. With just 1:01 complete, Kosack potted one in at the doorstep after converting on an original shot from Ryan Foss, giving the Blades the 1-0 lead.
The Cougars fought back. With 7:10 finished in the second, Jordan Peacock took a drop pass from Chris Cobham and fired it between Brendan McGlynn's blocker and chest protector, tying games at one a piece.
Rough play still was noticeable in the second period, but that didn't cause the second goal. With under five to go in the middle frame, Cobham took a behind the back pass from David Thompson, scoring in close on McGlynn to give the Cougars their first lead of the game.
A bad giveaway in the Blades zone would result in a third goal for the Cougars. After a defenseman lost control of the puck up the middle, Mike Faliero made a move at the left face off dot before beating McGlynn's right pad, giving the Cougars the 3-1 lead.
The Blades had a tough break with 12 minutes left in the game. Bryce Misley appeared to have scored on Andrew Lee, deking him out and finding the back of the net. However, it was shown that Jackson Bales was pushed on Lee, who was out of the crease, negating the goal that would have brought Oakville closer to tying the game. Unfortunately, Peacock scored his second of the game on an empty net with a minute and a half still to go and took the victory, giving Burlington the 2-1 series lead.
Oakville will look to tie the series back up on Friday when the team heads back to Appleby Arena for a 7:30 pm meeting. The two squads will then return back to Sixteen Mile Sports Complex for game five of the series on Saturday. The game will return to its usual 7:30 pm start. Hope to see you there!