QUEBEC CITY P.Q. — Moncton took control of game five in very impressive fashion, winning 5-1 over Saint John. Devon MacAusland with two goals, Mark Barberio with two assists, Daniel Patterssen (1-1) and Gabriel Bourque (1-1) combined to lead Moncton to a 3-2 lead in QMJHL President Cup Final.
Two goals scored in first period on 17 shots plus two others in the second on 15 shots gave the Wildcats command in Saint John.
Moncton completed the scoring adding a fifth goal with second of the night by Devon MacAusland.
The trend in the series seems to be whichever team starts strong in the game comes out as a winner.
Moncton was the first team to break the ice on Saturday night. Unable to control the rebound following a first shot from Gabriel Bourque, the Wildcats left winger took his own rebound in the slot beating Saint John goaltender Marco Cousineau 9:25 into the first period.
For his part, Wildcats netminder Nicola Riopel made a key save with his right pad just a couple minutes before his team scored its first goal of the game on Stanislav Galiev preventing Saint John from opening the scoring.
Moncton came back with a minute remaining in the opening period scoring a second goal. Wildcats defenseman Mark Barberio showing off some baseball skill kept the puck in the offensive zone with a baseball swing giving Daniel Petterssen an opportunity to roof the puck with a spinning slap shot.
Contrary to last night’s game, Moncton took charge, dictating the tempo of first period with 17 shots on goal allowing only 3 against Riopel. The Wildcats began the second period with a man-advantage with 1:05 minutes left to Sea Dogs center Michael Kikpatrick penalty taken at 19:38 of the opening period.
A key save with his glove on Wildcats defenseman Barberio, Cousineau kept Moncton from extending their lead.
Seconds later another penalty to Sea Dogs defenseman Yann Sauvé gave the Wildcats a 5-on-3 power play for 45 seconds. Cousineau had to face seven shots in the first 5:23.
Completely dominated by the Wildcats in second period Cousineau was unable to do anything on Kelsey Tessier’s 12th of the postseason who beat Cousineau on the short side 10:39. Bourque got the only assist on the goal.
After being reviewed, the fourth goal scored by Wildcats’ center MacAusland was allowed and with 6:59 remaining in second period.
Saint John fans had to wait until the third period before seeing their team get on the scoreboard with defenseman Nathan Beaulieu’s goal beating Riopel with an inside the blue line shot that found its way 11:55 into third period.
Moncton completed the scoring with sharp angled shot by MacAusland, his second of the night, with 2:43 remaining in the game.
Next game will be Monday night back in Moncton Coliseum.
Shots on goal:
Moncton: 17 15 3 35
Saint John: 3 11 17 31
Goaltenders:
Moncton: Nicola Riopel 31 shots 30 saves (15-4-0)
Saint John: Marco Cousineau 35 shots 30 saves (14-6-0)
Power plays:
Moncton: 0-4
Saint John: 0-2
Three stars selections:
First: MON Gabriel Bourque
Second: MON Mark Barberio
Third: SNB Nathan Beaulieu
Contact the author at: serge.poulin@prohockeynews.com
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