For the first 20 minutes, it was classic playoff hockey.

Physical, intense, scoring chances were hard to come by. Both teams managed to get the biscuit in the basket once, and it looked like this would be an instant classic.

Then the floodgates opened.

Or maybe more accurately, the net was knocked off.

Just 48 seconds into the second period, Chase Jette appeared to put Waterloo up 2-1. The only issue was the location of the net.

Lincoln goaltender Jan Shostak appeared to use his left skate to kick the net off - well, he did - and like many in the crowd of 2.834, the officials agreed.

Referees Cameron Giancarlo and William Fraser reviewed the call on the ice, which was a goal, and confirmed the goal would stand. There was not much protest from the Lincoln bench or the fans behind the goal, indicating while intent is hard to judge, it seemed like the right call.

Shostak seemed rattled after the play, as on the same shift, Hunter Ramos scored just 27 second later to make it 3-1. When Kaeden Hawkins scored 1:16 later, William Prowse came in for Shostak, but for all intents and purposes, the game was over. Lincoln never came closer than two goals down the rest of the way.

Giancarlo and Fraser were excellent all night, calling a near perfect playoff game. They allowed the game to percolate, yet it never felt out of control. The best officiating is when you do not notice the officials, and that was the case Friday.

Perhaps more than any other team in the league, Waterloo can smell blood in the water and knows when to pounce. At times, they seem unstoppable, coming at you in waves and taking the game over physically.

Meanwhile, the Anderson Cup champion Stars face what feels like a must win tonight in game two. Being the superstitious sport hockey is a- hasn’t anyone ever told them it is bad luck to be superstitious - the Stars will likely wear their gray jerseys tonight. They are unbeaten this season on gray, and have a better record on Saturday night than any other night of the week.

A goaltending controversy is unlikely, as Shostak is considered one of the league’s elite netminders. If he looks shaky early though, Lincoln will likely look to Prowse once again. It’s the luxury of having two more than capable goalies.

The old saying is “a series doesn’t start until someone loses at home.” We have ourselves a series.