X-Men win in shootout in preview of AUS quarterfinal series
Peach scores in third period, Couture makes 26 saves in 2–1 shootout loss
The Acadia Axemen fell 2–1 in a shootout to the St. Francis Xavier X-Men at Acadia's home arena.
Thomas Couture made 26 saves through regulation and overtime to keep Acadia in the game. Bailey Peach scored the lone goal for the Axemen and finished with a plus-one rating.
Liam Kidney won 14 of 30 faceoffs, while Brady Burns recorded an assist and led all skaters with 10 shots on goal.
The first period ended scoreless. Both teams had power-play chances but could not convert. Logan O'Neil took an early penalty for StFX, but the Axemen penalty kill held. Acadia's Cole Burbidge and Cam Whynot later served penalties, giving the visitors opportunities, but strong defensive play kept the game even. Couture and StFX goaltender Jack Milner each made key saves to preserve the tie.
The second period followed a similar pattern. Burns generated several chances and tested Milner often, but neither team found the net. Both sides had multiple power plays, including a late cross-checking penalty at 18:58, yet the score remained 0-0 heading into the third.
StFX opened the scoring late in the third period when Logan Cunningham scored at the 17-minute mark. Acadia responded quickly. Less than 30 seconds later, Peach scored off a pass from Burns to tie the game. Both teams continued to press, with Burns and Ryan McGuire creating chances, but neither side could find a go-ahead goal before the end of regulation.
Overtime was scoreless despite several opportunities. Kidney won the opening faceoff to start the extra frame. Burns had a chance early that was stopped by Milner, while Couture turned aside attempts from Logan Chisholm and Raegan Wiles.
StFX secured the extra point in the shootout to claim a 2–1 victory.
Cunningham led StFX with a goal on two shots. McGuire won 15 of 28 faceoffs and recorded four shots. Wiles led the visitors with six shots on goal. Milner finished with 36 saves, allowing one goal.
Acadia will host Game 1 of its best-of-three quarterfinal series against StFX on Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 7 p.m.