The Vipers, who could have secured home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs with a win on Wednesday night, were edged 2-1 by the second-place Sherwood A&S Scrap Metal Falcons.
The Falcons improved to 14-9-2 (won-lost-overtime/shootout losses), and moved to within one point of the Vipers (15-6-1). However, Kensington closes out the regular season with three home games while the Falcons’ lone remaining game is at the Vipers.
At the Cody Banks Arena, Falcons goaltender Devon Cudmore stopped 46 of 48 shots sent his way, including all 22 in the opening 20 minutes. Logan Reid faced 29 shots in the Kensington goal.
Alex Abbott’s goal 5:47 into the third period gave the Vipers a 3-1 lead, and stood up as the game-winner. Mike Callaghan (1-1) and Brett MacDonald also scored for the Falcons, who received single assists from Craig Dougan, Cody McGuirk, Zack Kitchener, Parker Diamond and Matthew McQuaid.
Jordan Mayhew and Spencer Montgomery answered for the Vipers. Helpers were credited to Kyle Doucette, Isaac Jay, Brett Hogan and Adam Wight.
The Falcons led 1-0 after the first and second periods.
Referee Mike Annear called two minors against each team.
