Baie-Comeau wins first over Quebec, 2-1

QUEBEC CITY, P.Q. — Losing first three meetings against Quebec in 2016-17, Baie-Comeau played a solid game scoring the goal that made the difference in the third period giving a 2-1 win against Quebec. Batting a puck in the air that come from behind the net Shawn Element scored the game winning goal giving to Baie-Comeau their first victory in regular season against Quebec.

Dominating most of the first period as puck possession is concerned, Baie-Comeau drew first blood with 3:41 remaining in the opening period. Making first save on Drakkar defenseman Xavier Bouchard first shot from the blue line, Quebec goaltender Derek Baribeau didn’t get any chance on the rebound, that went right on Jordan Martel stick, redirecting the puck in empty net.

Baie-Comeau got first chance on power play as Quebec Olivier Mathieu was guilty of hooking, but Quebec successfully killed the penalty. Drakkar got a second chances with man up at 18:55 when defenseman Benjamin Gagne went in the penalty box for cross-checking.

Beginning the middle frame with 56 seconds left to Quebec defenseman Gagne’s penalty, Baie-Comeau wasn’t able to get a serious scoring chance. Following several penalties on each side Quebec took advantage to play four-on-four to tie the game one all. The long wrist shot by Quebec defenseman Samuel Hould deflected on Drakkar player before beating Baie-Comeau goaltender Justin Blanchette on his left side at 3:44.

For the former Val-d’Or defenseman acquired by Quebec at the last trading period ending on January 6th, it was his first QMJHL goal and his first with his new team.

With the score tied after forty minutes of play Quebec began the third period on stronger note putting pressure in offensive zone getting three great scoring opportunities but on each occasions the young Drakkar netminder 16-year old Blanchette made the saves.

Baie-Comeau replied couple minutes later with three good scoring chances but like his opponent at the other end Quebec goalie closed the door preserving the 1-1 tie.

Drakkar regained the lead as one of first four round pick in 2016 scored his 6th of the year. Selected 9th overall in 2016 Shawn Element hit the puck in the air, a puck that come from behind the net to give the lead to Drakkar for second time in the game with 9:06 gone in the third period.

Quebec will return home for their next two games. On Saturday night Quebec will host the Val-d’Or Foreurs, on Sunday afternoon Shawinigan will come to Videotron Center to face the Remparts.

Four other games were on QMJHL schedule on Tuesday night.

Halifax 5 vs. Cape Breton 4 (shoot out)

Gatineau 3 vs. Rouyn-Noranda 7

Moncton 2 vs. Saint John 7

Chicoutimi 3 vs. Rimouski 4

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