Mackenzie Blackwood came out on the short end of an outstanding effort in goal.
Blackwood made 39 saves for the Barrie Colts on Thursday, but it wasn't enough in a 3-2 loss in Game 1 of their OHL Eastern Conference final against the Niagara IceDogs. He was named the game's Third Star.
Blackwood surrendered three goals on 17 shots in the decisive third period as Niagara won its seventh straight. All three markers came in a span of 1:08, erasing a 2-0 Colts lead. The series continues in Barrie on Saturday.
The Devils' prospect weathered the IceDogs' attack early, stopping all 25 shots he faced over the opening 40 minutes, including 16 in the first period.