The Abbotsford Heat's formula for success of late has consisted of Blair Jones scoring the big goals and Joni Ortio making the saves.
They stuck closely to that script in a 2-1 win over the San Antonio Rampage on Tuesday evening at the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre – Ortio earned first star honours after making 23 saves and Jones notched the game-winner with less than seven minutes remaining in the third period.
It marked the fourth straight win for the Heat, who took over first place in the Western Conference with an 8-4-1 record. San Antonio (4-6-0) is 14th out of 15 in the West, and the same two teams clash again on Wednesday (7 p.m., AESC).
Both of the Heat's goals on Tuesday came on the power play. Markus Granlund opened the scoring at 19:31 of the first period with assists going to Corban Knight and Mark Cundari, and San Antonio defenceman John Lee equalized late in the second period.
With the Heat on a two-man advantage in the final frame, Jones struck with his fourth goal in his past three games. His personal hot streak began last Friday when he notched a late game-winner vs. the Utica Comets, and he scored both Abby goals in regulation and registered the clinching goal in the shootout on Saturday vs. the Hamilton Bulldogs.