The Menace power-played their way to what may well be an opening-round backbreaker.
Facing their first deficit of the playoffs late in the first period last night at Memorial Arena, Milton donned their rally caps and struck four times with the man-advantage en route to a 7-3 win over the Burlington Cougars.
That gave them a 3-0 series stranglehold, and chance to sweep the series at Central Arena Friday night.
The Menace have amassed 10 powerplay goals and two shorthanded markers against their – at times – undisciplined neighbouring rivals.
Now tied for top spot in post-season scoring, captain Graeme MacAuley ignited the comeback with back-to-back goals – his first in the closing seconds of the opening period.
He’d add an assist on the night, while Madden MacDougall also stood tall with his fourth and fifth goals of the playoffs and a pair of assists.
Justin Dezoete collected three assists, with Ryder Cali, Tristan Tremble and Spencer Vandenburg rounding out the scoring.
Carter Bickle was once again in net for the victory.
Wednesday’s win came with another 1,000-plus crowd at Memorial Arena.
Should Burlington stave off elimination tomorrow, the series will return to Memorial Sunday for a 6 p.m. start.