Strong defensive effort sparks Lynx

Opener of junior C semifinal series

The Southside Lynx proved on Saturday why they were the top defensive team in the Razzy’s P.E.I. Junior C Hockey League regular season.

The Lynx opened the bestof-five semifinal series against the North River Flames with a 4-2 victory over the North River Flames. Game 2 is at the APM Centre in Cornwall on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m., with Game 3 in Crapaud on Friday at 8:20 p.m.

In the other semifinal matchup, the Sherwood-Parkdale Metros defeated the Belfast Sabres 5-2 on Friday night to even the series 1-1.

Lynx 4 Flames 2

At the South Shore Actiplex, the Lynx, who allowed a leaguelow 96 goals in 26 regular-season games, limited the Flames to just 16 shots in Game 1, including just one in the final 20 minutes.

Offensively, Brandon Adams (1-1), David Collister (1-1), Jake Larsen and Colton Dawson, with an empty-net goal, scored for the first-place Lynx. CJ McCardle (2) and Garrett Murray added assists.

Liam O’Connor and Connor Andrews replied for the Flames, who received single helpers from Jarrod MacAdam, Brady McQuaid, Matt Craig and Shaun Stultz.

The Flames led 2-1 after the first period, and the teams were tied 2-2 entering the final 20 minutes.

Sean MacPhee earned the goaltending win over Alex Smith.

Metros 5 Sabres 2

At the Belfast Recreation Centre, Dylan MacDonald contributed three assists to lead the Metros to a series-tying win.

Owen Arsenault (2), Brody Maddix (1-1), Brandon Sullivan (1-1) and Zack MacDonald (1-1) lit the lamp for the Metros, who led 2-1 after one period and 4-2 following 40 minutes.

Robert Hicken and Spencer Ross answered for the Sabres.

Winning goaltender was James Duffy while Colby Landrigan tended goal for Belfast.

The Metros will host Game 3 at the Cody Banks Arena on Monday at 8:25 p.m.