Lucas Thurston stood on his head and made 38 saves to lead the Atlanta Knights to a 2-1 victory over the Syracuse Junior Stars.

The win gave Atlanta a 1-0 lead in the best of one series.

Syracuse's power play was ineffective against the Knights' penalty kill, which allowed one goal while shorthanded.

Atlanta was led by harris m, who finished with one goal. M scored on the power play 16:12 into the third period to make the score 2-1 Atlanta. The Knights earned a power play opportunity when Nick Sturick was put in the box for interference. Cole Stallard picked up the assist.

Nick Elliott also scored for Atlanta.

The Junior Stars forced Atlanta goalie Thurston to work between the pipes, taking 39 shots.

Syracuse was led by Mike Seifert, who scored the team's only goal. Seifert scored on the power play 3:57 into the first period to make the score 1-1. The Junior Stars had taken the advantage when the Knights' Jack Trischett got sent off for holding. Jesse Farabee provided the assist.

Atlanta incurred 18 minutes in penalty time with nine minors. Matt Schneider recorded 28 saves for Syracuse. The Junior Stars incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors.