The Niagara Falls Canucks tried to dig themselves out of a two-goal hole, but the Ancaster Avalanche held on for a 4-3 victory.

Ancaster made the score 4-2 on a goal by Max Balinson at 2:39 in the third period, and Niagara Falls got as close as 4-3 when Colton Anstey scored 9:05 into the third period.

The win gave the Avalanche a 2-0 lead in the best of seven series.

Balinson was all over the ice for Ancaster, as he had two goals in the win.

The Avalanche were held back by their power play unit, which tallied two goals on 13 chances. Ancaster's defensemen played an important role in the offense, chipping in two goals.

Others who scored for Ancaster included Luke Zupan and Ben Hughes, who scored one goal each. Other players who recorded assists for Ancaster were Adam Burnett, who had two and Donato Cipriano, Michael Pollice, Cole Nagy, Ryan Knill, Ryan Cox, and Brennan McLennan, who contributed one each.

Niagara Falls also had goals scored by Nigel Slade and Zack Lansfield, who each put in one. In addition, Niagara Falls received assists from Frank Pucci, Austin Wright, and Mac Hollowell, who each chipped in one.

Blake Richard recorded 23 saves for the Avalanche. Ancaster incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors. The Canucks' Dylan Pietrangelo stopped 24 shots out of the 28 that he faced. Niagara Falls incurred 50 minutes in penalty time with 10 minors.