One day after securing home-ice advantage through the East division, the Toronto Varsity Blues then secured home-ice all through the OUA playoffs less than 24 hours later despite falling 3-2 to the Nipissing Lakers in overtime. 

HOW IT HAPPENED: Rounding out their regular season schedule with a second game in as many days in North Bay, Ont., the Blues took much of the play to the home side in the opening period. Outshooting the Lakers 13-6 in the frame, Toronto would ultimately take a 1-0 lead into the intermission on a power-play goal from Natasha Athanasakos.

In the second, the Blues were able to add to their advantage. Scoring on a wrap around, Nikki McDonald tallied her first career OUA goal, while also doubling the Toronto lead. However, in the latter stages of the period, Nipissing was able to claw back within one thanks to Madison Laberge.

With just over six minutes gone by in the final frame of regulation, Laberge got her team back on to even ground with her second goal of the contest, tying the game 2-2. With neither team able to find the back of the net the rest of the frame, the Blues and Lakers prepared for overtime.

Unfortunately for Toronto, the Blues took a penalty with just 15 seconds remaining in regulation and had to start the extra session on the penalty kill. Unable to kill off the Laker's 4-on-3 opportunity, the Blues ultimately fell when Laberge put home her third goal of the contest.

In goal for the Varsity Blues, Erica Fryer made 24 saves on 27 shots. Both teams would record a power-play goal with Toronto going 1 for 5 and Nipissing finishing 1 for 6.
           
UP NEXT: With the regular season now in the rear-view mirror, the Blues will turn their sights to the playoffs. Having clinched the top-seed in the East, Toronto will await the winner of the play-in game. The Blues will host that winner on March 12 in a best-of-one quarterfinal. Although the opponent remains unknown for now, puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

For more information, scores and highlights on your favourite U of T athletes and teams, please visit www.varsityblues.ca. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for the latest and greatest in Varsity Blues intercollegiate athletics.