Brady Austin scored his first goal of the playoffs and added an assist as London bested Windsor 4-3 to sweep the first round series in four games. Austin finishes the series with three points (1+2) and a plus-three rating.
Fellow defenseman Nikita Zadorov was unable to get on the scoreboard, but used his massive frame to execute many excellent defensive plays, including a hip check in the third period to send a Spits forward tumbling. The hard-shooting Russian posted five points (3+2) in the four-game set for the Knights, who head into round two awaiting the weekend's results to learn who they'll be facing. (Friday victories by both Guelph and Sault Ste. Marie will create a London/Guelph second round matchup).
Nick Baptiste collected two assists as Sudbury kept their playoff hopes alive with a 2-1 win over Barrie. The helpers give Baptiste back-to-back multiple-point efforts for a total output of five (1+4) through four postseason games. The Wolves trail the first round series 3-1 with game 5 set for Friday in Barrie.
In the WHL, Logan Nelson connected for a goal and an assist as Victoria earned a 4-2 win over Spokane to sweep the first round Western Conference series. Nelson collected goals in three straight games and a total of five points after being a late scratch for the series opener. If Kelowna can close out their series with Tri-City on Friday, the Royals will face Portland in a second round matchup.
