Acadie-Bathurst wins game two at home

QUEBEC CITY, P.Q. — Already winning first game of QMJHL semifinal round, Acadie-Bathurst won game two 7-3 as Antoine Morand played key role offensively with four goals scored. Now the Titans will go in Victoriaville leading the series 2-0.

After seeing their opponent coming from behind with two goals in 34 second playing four-on-four hockey Acadie-Bathurst replied with next four goals taking a 5-2 lead before Tigres came back with their third and last goal scored.

“It had been definitely our objective to win first game, answered Acadie-Bathurst head coach Mario Pouliot. “When you earned the ice advantage, we got the pressure to win those games, after that you go on the road so yes it was the objective. Tonight the objective was to play better than in first game. We had things to work on to get better, to get great chance to win.”

“Maybe in the beginning of the game we were hesitant in our actions, when they got the four-on-four they scored twice after we had scored on our first power play in the game. Starting with the second period I really like the way we played defensively and offensively, our power play successfully scored goals that was important since the series began, we didn’t have had great success so for us that is a performance that we were satisfied.” Continued Titans head coach Pouliot.

Getting first great scoring chance at even strength Victoriaville missed their first with a man up. As opposed to their opponent, Acadie-Bathurst opened the scoring on their first power play. Antoine Morand’s shot inside offensive blue line beat Victoriaville goaltender Etienne Montpetit top shelves 5:55 into initial period.

Playing four-on-four hockey Acadie-Bathurst replied with two goals in 34 seconds taking the lead for first time in the game. Stealing puck to Titans defenseman,Tigres center Simon Lafrance didn’t missed his chance as his low shot beat Acadie Bathurst Evan Fitzpatrick for Lafrance second goals in as many games at 8:53.

Driven to the net Vitalii Abramov complete great play from Ivan Koserenkov and Jeremie Beaudin beating Fitzpatrick top corner for second times in last 34 seconds as both teams still playing four-on-four hockey.

Missing his shot on breakaway, Titans right winger Justin Ducharme got a penalty shot but Montpetit made the save preserving visitor lead.

Leading by one at the beginning of second periods, the penalty to Tigres Ivan Koserenkov opened the door for the Acadie-Bathurst tying the score 2-2 on goal by Antoine Morand his second of the game their second power play goal in as many chances with 12:20 remaining in the middle frame.

Titans took the lead for second time of the game on two-on-one breakaway as Samuel L’Italien opted for the shot beating veteran Victoriaville netminder Montpetit on stick side at 14:44 of the middle frame.

Jeffrey Truchon-Viel gave Titans a two-goal lead with his 9th of the playoff pushing a loose puck behind Victoriaville netminder with 3:59 to play in second period.

Scoring their two goals playing four-on-four hockey Victoriaville began the third periods getting their second opportunity in same situation. Unfortunately they didn’t take advantage of it.

Already scoring two goals for the Titans Antoine Morand completed his hat trick going on breakaway beating Tigres netminder between his pads in Titans 37th shot with 10:56 remaining.

Coming out of penalty box Felix Pare scored Victoriaville third goals on two-on-one breakaway his shot beat Evan Fitzpatrick at 13:09.

Consecutive five-minute penalties to Andrew Smith and Vitalii Abramov gave Acadie-Bathurst a four-on-three for 50 seconds plus another five-on-three for two minutes giving to Titans their next two goals.

Antoine Morand scored Acadie-Bathurst sixth goals, his fourth of the night beating Montpetit top shelves on stick side on their 47th shot on goal. Adam Halwell completed the scoring for the Titans with a wrist shot going through the circulation before beating Tigres netminder also on power play ending their night with four goals on six power play opportunities.

For one, Victoriaville forward Felix Pare was the first to recognize his team worked hard but mistakes his team did cost them the second game.

“We worked hard for sure but they took advantage of all mistakes we have done. We gave them the game.” Answered Felix Pare for whom it was his first career layoff goal.

Talking about the two five minute penalties his team has taken in third periods Pare also recognized that it was never easy. “For sure it never was easy, for sure scoring my first goal is nice but it didn’t mean anything we lose.” Pare said after the game commenting his first career goal in playoff.

“We began the game correctly we had the lead 2-1, again in second we lay down, we didn’t do the details, we will have to be better on that. The series is far from being over,” Victoriaville center Simon Lafrance said.

Victoriaville head coach Louis Robitaille agreed with Lafrance the series is far from over as the Tigres return home in front of their fans where the team lose only once in last 17 games.

“We have had good start, we were in control of that game, and we again gave them the game. Penalties lost battle along the board, we gave them the momentum the game played there.” Victoriaville head coach Louis Robitaille.

“We were the first on the puck in first period, stupid penalties brought them in the game. Losing battle along the board bang 3-2. We lose the momentum. We never give up guys told it after the game, leaders stand up, we came here to win one, we won’t panic, we will have to win gave five or seven, they won their two games at home, we return home in front of our fans in front of the best crowd in the league, fans will be behind us at home.”

Payers and head coach comments were courtesy of KYQ 95.7 FM Victoriaville.

Game three of that QMJHL semifinal round will be in Victoriaville on next Tuesday night.

Other QMJHL semifinal round is schedule for Tuesday night

Charlottetown 0 vs. Blainville-Boisbriand 1 (Blainville-Boisbriand lead series 2-0)

Contact the author at: serge.poulin@prohockeynews.com