QUEBEC CITY, P.Q. — Coming out of a grueling quarterfinal against Blainville-Boisbriand in seven games, Rimouski came in Halifax hoping to steal one of first two games in Halifax home. Scoring 4 goals on 14 shots the Rimouski Oceanic took first game in Halifax defeating the Mooseheads 4-1.
Enjoying their last win in their preceding series against Quebec Halifax got back to business on Friday night facing the Rimouski Oceanic in game one of the QMJHL semifinal.
“I think we need to keep some energy from that win, but at same time, it’s important to come back to the rink and focus on what’s coming next.” Said Halifax Moosehead head coach Dominic Ducharme to beat reporter Wally Palov in Thursday edition of the Chronicle Herald.
“What we lived was great and it was fun but now we need to look forward. It is the same attitude as when you lose a game. You need to refocus and get back at it. It was a great feeling to win that series, but we have to be ready for next challenge. We play our first game against Rimouski and we have to be ready for that.”
Dominating in shots on goal (10-4) having the chance to play twice with a man advantage, Halifax was unable to break the ice. Halifax ended first game being 0-in-6 with a man advantage.
Casey Babineau drew first blood in the semifinal series between Rimouski and Halifax giving to the Oceanic a 1-0 lead. Killing first three penalties in the game, Rimouski defenseman’s shot beat Halifax goalie top corner on Zachary Fucale glove side at 8:49 remaining in the opening period.
Making 20 saves on first Halifax 21 shots in first forty minutes the Oceanic netminder Jacob Gervais-Chouinard continued is excellent work making 7 additional saves preventing Dominic Ducharme’s team to come back in the game.
Stealing the puck to Halifax defenseman Brandon Duke, Scott Oke, doubled Oceanic lead with a shot beating Mooseheads netminder to corner for second time 2:04 into second period.
As Rimouski scored second goals of the game Halifax put more pressure on Oceanic defense but wasn’t able to beat Jacob Gervais-Chouinard. Alexandre Mallet scored Rimouski 3rd goal at 14:53 in middle frame.
Cameron Critchlow, with 1:49 left to play in second period, got Halifax on the scoreboard for the first time in the game beating Gervais-Chouinard low on short side.
Rimouski takes a commanding 4-1 lead with Petr Straka 5th of the playoff 3:01 into the third period completing Oceanic offensive for this first game.
In Saint John, the Sea Dogs wins game one 4-1
After scoreless first period Saint John saw their opponent Chicoutimi opened the scoring with defenseman Mathieu Gagnon 1st of the playoff 6:16 into the second period.
Saint John replied with next four goals in the game. Pierre Durepos also with his first of the series tied the game at once all at 17:02 in second period. Both goals were scored at even strength.
Saint John came back in third period scoring next two goals in 2:19. Stanislav Galiev 1:20 and Jonathan Huberdeau 3:39 gave to the Sea Dogs a two goals lead. Danick Gauthier completed the score with his team playing with a man advantage at 10:12.
In the loss, Chicoutimi goaltender Christopher Gibson made 29 save on 33 shots. In the victory Mathieu Corbeil made 24 saves on Chicoutimi 25 shots on goal.
Thomas Jurco for Saint John left in first period and never came back in the game. No additional information was available as far as is possible presence in game two.
The Sagueneens ended 0-in-5 on their power play, Saint John was 1-in-3.
The series between Rimouski and Halifax will continue on Saturday with game two of their semifinal. The Chicoutimi Saint John series will continue with game two on next Sunday.
Contact the author at: serge.poulin@prohockeynews.com
You must be logged in to post a comment.