The Admirals were looking at a very unpleasant situation Monday night.

Holding a 3-2 lead in their best-of-seven West Division Semifinals Series over the Texas Stars, the Admirals had finished regulation tied, 2-2. After a scoreless overtime period, the prospect of losing a long game only to turn around and play a decisive Game 7 the next night lingered in the air.

Fortunately for the Admirals, they won't have to worry about a Game 7.

Mark Van Guilder's goal at 10:42 of the second overtime period gave the Admirals a 3-2 victory and a ticket to the West Division Finals.

The Milwaukee attack was sluggish, outshot, 54-50 for the game and 13-2 in the second overtime period but goaltender Jeremy Smith kept the Admirals in the game, stopping 47 shots.

In his last two games, Smith, starting in place of injured All-Star Mark Dekanich, has 87 saves.

"We got out-shot pretty good in overtime but our goaltender really deserves the 'wow' tonight," Lambert said. "He was the difference in the game."

Along with the right to advance, the Admirals will be able to get some much-needed rest. Three of their last four games have gone into overtime.

"We've played a lot of hockey," head coach Lane Lambert said.

Game 1 of the West Division Finals is set for 7 p.m. Friday at the Bradley Center against Houston, which swept Peoria in four games.