The LaSalle Vipers got off to a good start leading 3-1 after the first period on goals by Connor Tucker, Jak Thiessen and Patrick McManus.
The Nationals made a goaltending change heading into the second sending Carter Froggett in for Hayden Sabourin. The move seemed to energize the home team as London went on to stun the Vipers with six unanswered goals. Patrick McManus scored late in the third but too little too late as the Nationals take the opening game of the best-of-seven Western Conference semi-final 7-4.
Jeremy Hirsh and Nolan Milne each scored a pair for London.
Tre Altiman made 32 saves for LaSalle.
Here's the schedule for the rest of the series.
Saturday at London, 7pm
Sunday in LaSalle, 7pm
Tuesday March 26 in LaSalle, 7pm
Wednesday March 27 in London, 7pm
Saturday March 30 in LaSalle, 7pm
Monday April 1 in London, 7pm