Grimsby Takes Opener

Dundas Blues and Grimsby Peach Kings opened their best of seven division final with an evenly matched goaltender dual, with visiting Grimsby coming out on top, 3-1 Tuesday night.

Shawn Krzykala stopped 25 of 27 shots for Dundas, while Grimsby's Brad Pope saved 30 of Dundas' 31 shots for the win. Grimsby added their third goal on an empty net.

Blues coach Mike Minard was pleased with the team's play, despite the loss.

"The Peach Kings got a few more bounces than we did and that was the difference in the game," Minard said. "We played a good game and worked hard through the entire 60 minutes."

Peach Kings opened the scoring on a powerplay two minutes into the first period. Dundas responded with a goal by Kevin Dowling, assisted by Mike Tache, in the final two minutes of the opening frame.

Grimsby scored the winning goal mid-way through the second period - then added an empty net point to cap the win in the final minute of the third period.

Dundas must regroup and prepare for back-to-back weekend games in Grimsby. Game two goes Friday in the opponents' arena.

"We'll be ready for game two Friday night in Grimsby and tie this series up," Minard said.

Grimsby scored one powerplay goal in nine chances. Dundas was scoreless in eight powerplays.