QUEBEC CITY, P.Q. — Winning their first game on Tuesday in hostile territory, the Halifax Mosseheads repeated their exploits Wednesday against the Rimouski Oceanic. Cameron Critchlow with two goals, Jonathan Drouin with three assists and Zachary Fucale with 34 saves led their team to 3-1 win over Rimouski. The semifinal series is tied 2-2.
Alexandre Grenier, with his 3rd goal of the playoff, on Halifax second power play was credited with the game winner at 13:07 of second period.
Trailing 2-1 after forty minutes Serge Beausoleil team step on the ice dominating the third period shooting 17 times on Mooseheads goaltender Fucale who close the door on Rimouski team until the second goal of the game scored by captain Critchlow at 11:04.
Defulvis was in the penalty box for Rimouski getting four minutes for spearing with 12:09 remaining in the third period. Shutout in four attempts with a man advantage, Rimouski saw their opponent takes advantage of their power plays ending with 3-in-4.
On the other side, pulled in Tuesday night’s game after allowing 3 goals on 9 shots, Jacob Gervais-Chouinard was back in Oceanic net ending the game with 23 saves on Halifax 26 shots on goal.
Playing four-on four following penalties to Halifax defenseman Sawyer Hannay and Rimouski center Robbie Defulvis the Oceanic broke the ice with first goal in game four.
Alex Belzile’s one-timer beat Halifax goalie Zachary Fucale 8:18 into the opening period.
Halifax tied the game 3:21 later on their first power play opportunity during a penalty to Rimouski forward Alexandre Tanguay for tripping. Mooseheads captain Cameron Critchlow deflected the shot from defenseman Konrad Abeltshauser for Halifax first goal.
Penalties to Halifax defenseman Brendan Duke (hooking) and Travis Randell (delay of game) force the Mooseheads to play two men short for 1:14. Unfortunately for Rimouski fans their favorite was unable to take advantage of the situation.
Halifax took the lead for first time in the game with 6:53 remaining in middle frame. Already scoring on their first power play opportunity in first period, the Mooseheads did it again on their second opportunity with a man advantage. Pier-Luc Pelletier was in the box for Rimouski.
A perfect play between Nathan MacKinnon, Jonathan Drouin ended with Alexandre Grenier’s 3rd goal of the playoff at 13:07.
Mosseheads captain Critchlow came back in third period with the back breaker goal redirecting a shot by Abeltshauser at 11:04.
Game four in the other QMJHL semifinal between Saint John and Chicoutimi will be Thursday night April 26. Game five in the semifinal between Halifax and Rimouski will be this Friday April 27. That game will be televised nationally on Sportsnet TV network.
Contact the author at: serge.poulin@prohockeynews.com
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