QUEBEC CITY, P.Q. — In this series of articles analyzing the QMJHL playoff first round series, there is only the Moncton Wildcats (9th) against eighth seeded Lewiston MAINEiacs.
Lewiston has the privilege of playing at home the first two games before going to Moncton for games four and five. The MAINEiacs ended the regular season 21-12-1-0 at home. Moncton played well on the road with a record of 19-12-0-3. Lewiston needs to take advantage of home ice because if the Wildcats steal one game in Lewiston, Moncton could become dangerous for the rest of the series.
Moncton lost their last game in the schedule 7-1 to Acadie Bathurst but ended 4-3-1- 2 in their last 10 games. Lewiston won their last game 3-1 on the road facing Chicoutimi but were 4-4-1- 1 in their last 10 matches.
Lewiston has had the clear advantage in scoring over Moncton scoring 33 more goals, 265-232. Lewiston allowed fewer goals against, allowing 33 less than Moncton 223-256.
Moncton runs their power play at 26.2 (83/317) compare to Lewiston 17.4 (50/287). Beginning the series on the road the Wildcats get the advantage over Lewiston running their power play on the road at 27.8 (44/144), Lewiston power play away from home runs at 17.7 (25/141).
For Moncton, Alex Saulmier with 85 points is the go-to player for the Wildcats. Marek Hrivik with 79 points, Alex’ brother Alain with 71 points and Devon MacAusland with 19 goals are the players on whom head coach Danny Flynn will count if his team is to have a chance in the first round.
On defense, Brandon Gormley is the best blueliner. Gormley ended the regular season with 13 goals. Daniel Milan with 38 points and Simon Jodoin with 34 points complete the trio of defensemen in Moncton.
In goal, with the trade of number one netminder Shane Owen, Flynn decided to go with Brandon Thibeault who ended the regular season with 3.92 goals against average and .874 save percentage. It will be a great opportunity for the young Moncton native.
For the MAINEiacs, left winger Etienne Brodeur ended the regular season with the best offensive record with 53 goals. Center Michael Chaput chipped in 59 points, Stefan Fournier added 20 goals, and Pierre-Olivier Morin picked up 45 points and are the main players for Lewiston coach Houle.
One defense, Olivier Dame-Malka with 55 points and Samuel Carrier with 50 points are the main cog who will take the most minutes on the ice.
In goal, Nicolas Champion didn’t play up to expectation with 2.83 average and .897 save percentage so it won’t be a surprise if Lewiston decides to send Andrey Markov (3.37 goaltender average and .890 save percentage) into the crease. The big question for Lewiston is will Champion step up his game and play as expected. If not, Lewiston might be surprised by Moncton.
Prediction: Lewiston in six.
Contact the author at: serge.poulin@prohockeynews.com
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