Third-period letdowns, which plagued the St. Thomas Stars during the early going this season, came back to haunt them in Game 2 of the Sutherland Cup playoffs.
With just over 10 minutes to play Friday evening at the Joe Thornton Community Centre, the Stars were hanging on to a 2-1 lead over the London Nationals.
But in a three-and-a-half-minute span, the Nats got goals from Owen McGowan and Rylan Bowers to edge St. Thomas 3-2 and even the best-of-seven series at a game apiece.
Riley Wood had given the Nats a 1-0 lead midway through the opening frame which Tristen Roberts negated early in the second period.
Nick Houben gave the Stars the lead with a couple of minutes remaining in the period as the St. Thomas powerplay finally clicked.
The Stars had the territorial advantage, outshooting London 42-27 but were stymied by Aiden Berry in net.
Tyler Roberts was in net for St. Thomas. He was pulled with a minute to go in an effort to try and force overtime.
With the win, London regains home ice advantage.
The teams go right back at it today in a 7 p.m. start at the Western Fair District. myFM will have all the action with Chris Soares beginning at 6:50 p.m.
Written by Ian McCallum
