(abbotsfordheat.com) — The Abbotsford Heat are coming back to the Fraser Valley with a two-game lead in their best-of-five Western Conference Quarterfinal with the Milwaukee Admirals after a 4-2 win on Sunday.
Krys Kolanos scored two goals, including the winner, and powered the Heat to their ninth straight win and second over three days in Milwaukee.
The Heat can sweep the opening round match-up with a win on Wednesday when they host Game 3 at the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre (10:00 ET, AHL Live).
After the two clubs went a combined five power plays without a goal in the first period, the Admirals would open the scoring at even strength just 32 seconds into the second period on a goal by Brodie Dupont off a three-on-two rush.
Kolanos would tie the game for the Heat on a five-on-three advantage at 4:08 of the second period when he walked a puck off the goal line and beat the Admirals net-minder five-hole. The goal was set up by defenders Clay Wilson and Brian Connelly.
The Admirals would take the lead again on a five-on-three of their own just 2:26 later on a jam-in at the goal mouth by Chris Mueller; there was some discussion amongst the officials after the play, but the goal would count.
The Heat would tie the game at two before the end of the second period just seconds after a power play expired with play in the Milwaukee zone. Ben Walter popped in his first of the post-season after setting up two goals on Friday night, as Hugh Jessiman and Greg Nemisz drew assists on the play; and the game was headed to the third period deadlocked at two with the Admirals.
Kolanos’ second of the night and fourth of the playoffs, gave the Heat a lead they wouldn’t lose at 4:17 of the final period. Line mates Paul Byron and Dustin Sylvester moved the puck to Kolanos who faked a pass to Wilson before going high blocker to pick up his sixth point of the Calder Cup Playoffs. Kolanos now has 15 goals and nine assists in his last 10 games played.
Jon Rheault scored into an empty net to seal the win. Rheault has now potted two goals in two playoff games this series.
Danny Taylor started his second consecutive game in the playoffs and backstopped the Heat to the win blocking 28 of 30 Milwaukee shots fired his way. Abbotsford directed 27 shots at the Admirals net; Jeremy Smith finished with 23 saves.
Both teams capitalized once on the power play with Abbotsford going one for six while Milwaukee was successful on one of seven man-advantages in the game.
