Niederberger stops 36 shots as Colts sweep Generals in second-round matchup

OSHAWA, Ont. - The Barrie Colts are heading to the Eastern Conference Final after eliminating the Oshawa Generals on Tuesday in Ontario Hockey League playoff action.

Mathias Niederberger made 36 saves in Game 4 as Barrie doubled up Oshawa 4-2, sweeping the best-of-seven second-round matchup 4-0.

The 20-year-old goaltender was steady for the Colts all series, but was at his best on the road in Game's 3 and 4 as he turned away 71-of-73 combine shots.

Steven Beyers, Aaron Ekblad, Alex Yuill and Alex Lepkowski scored for the Colts, who are a perfect 8-0 through two rounds of post-season play.

Colin Suellentrop and Scott Sabourin scored for the Generals, who were outscored 16-6 in the series, while Daniel Althsuller stopped 24 shots in defeat.

Beyers opened the scoring for the Colts on a breakaway 10:29 into the first period, taking away the momentum the Generals were looking for from an otherwise solid start.

Second-period goals by Ekblad and Yuill all but put the game away, the latter coming on a rare giveaway by Generals captain Boone Jenner.

Suellentrop broke Niederberger's shutout on a screened shot late in the second, but Lepkowski got that one back for the Colts 1:55 into the third period.

Sabourin scored the game's final goal with one minute remaining, a blast that beat Niederberger high.

Barrie went 0 for 5 on the power play while Oshawa failed to score on its only chance with the man advantage.

The Colts will face either the Belleville Bulls or the Sudbury Wolves in the East Final. The Bulls lead the series 3-0 with Game 4 scheduled for Thursday in Sudbury.

Last time Barrie made the East Final was the 2009-10 season when they defeated the Mississauga St.Michaels Majors in five games.