MIDDLETOWN, N.J. – The Johnstown Tomahawks scored four goals in the second period and then held off the host New Jersey Titans 6-3 Friday in the opening game of a best-of-3 North American Hockey League East Division playoff series.
Adam Ondris scored two goals for the Tomahawks through the first two periods at Middletown Ice World Arena. Johnstown also received goals by Andrew Cowgill, Adam Csabi, Charlie Zetterkvist and Nick White.
Goaltender Nick Avakyan stopped 40 shots.
The Tomahawks converted once in two power-play opportunities. Perhaps of more significance, Johnstown’s penalty kill unit held New Jersey’s second-ranked power play scoreless on five man-advantages.
The game was tied 1-all after the first period, as Ondris and New Jersey’s Ryan Friedman traded goals.
Cowgill put Johnstown ahead 2-1, but the Titans’ Lucas Marshall tied the game at 6:03 of the second.
The Tomahawks answered with three straight second-period goals by Csabi, Zetterkvist and Ondris to lead 5-2 through two periods.
Alex Papaspyropoulos pulled New Jersey within 5-3 at 6:55 of the final period, but Johnstown added White’s goal at 16:38.
New Jersey outshot Johnstown 43-35, including 20-11 in the second period.
The teams will meet at 6 p.m. Saturday in Game 2 at Middletown Ice World Arena. Game 3, if necessary, will be at 5:30 p.m. Sunday.
