Quebec begins road trip with OT win in Halifax

QUEBEC CITY, P.Q. —Taking the road for their first three games-in-three nights over the weekend, showing a perfect record after four game, Quebec made first stop in Halifax facing the Mooseheads. Having to come from behind two times in the game, Quebec kept their perfect record after five games as Jesse Sutton scores his first of the year with 1:12 remaining in the overtime period leading Quebec to 3-2 win.

Selected in third round (50^th overall) in 2014, the center did not played up to expectation last couple years with the team. Quebec head coach Philippe Boucher hope his left hand center would play better this year. Scoring goal in overtime, helping the team to keep the record intact after first five games, will certainly give Sutton a boost of confidence.

Fans in Halifax saw great action in first period even if neither teams got on board in the initial periods. Getting only one chance to play a man up in the initial period, Mosseheads moved the puck very well getting several good scoring chances but Quebec goaltender Dereck Baribeau kept the home team at bay making key saves each times he had to.

Best scoring chances from Halifax came from the stick of Filip Zadina with three shots, two of them were good scoring opportunities, Arnaud Durandeau got two shots one forced Quebec netminder to make key save and Benoit-Olivier Groulx also got great opportunity.

Being one of only two teams with perfect record after four games played, Quebec left for the Maritimes to play their first three games-in-three nights without one of their veteran defenseman. Following a check from behind in Quebec last game against Gatineau Olympiques, Christian Huntley, has been suspended for seven games.

The suspension of Huntley opened the door for one of their young defenseman 16 years old Braeden Virtue who hadn’t had the chance to play in first four games. The young American was paired with Etienne Verrette to begin the game.

Quebec also played good first period having two chances to play on power play. Olivier Garneau (2 shots), Andrew Coxhead (1 shot), Austin Eastman (1 shot), Philipp Kurashev (1 shot) got best chances in first period. Mooseheads goaltender Drake Mann-Dixon shut the door.

Halifax opened the scoring in middle frame with Filip Zadina scoring his fourth of the season getting a point in a sixth consecutive games. Getting the puck in the slot, the Halifax right winger wrist shot, beat Quebec netminder Baribeau over his left shoulder at 3:38.

Quebec tied the game with 3:01 remaining in second periods. Winning face-off in offensive zone, Andrew Coxhead, saw the puck going on teammates Olivier Mathieu stick who registered his 2^nd of the regular season. Partially deflecting on Halifax player the puck beats Mooseheads goaltender Mann-Dixon between his pads.

Halifax regained the lead on great piece of play by veteran 20 year old Maxime Fortier. Getting the puck behind his own net from defenseman Ryan Barbosa, Fortier went on the other end stickhandling beating visitor netminder on left side with 12:33 to play in third period.

Trailing by one for second time in the game, allowing more than one goal first the first time this year in first four games, Quebec came back for second time not giving up as veteran forwards Matthew Boucher and Louis-Filip Cote united their effort to force both teams to play in overtime.

Taking first shot on Halifax goaltender Quebec captain Boucher forced Mann-Dixion to make first save. Unable to keep the rebound, Quebec left winger took the rebound backhanded it behind Mooseheads goalie with 5:13 remaining in the third period.

Found guilty of check from behind, Halifax forward Benoit-Olivier Grouxl went in the penalty box with 7.6 seconds on the clock giving Quebec a four-on-three power play for 1:53 to begin the overtime.

Fortunately for Halifax head coach Jim Midgley, his team was able to kill the penalty. Trying to keep their record intact not losing in first four game, Quebec got the last word as veteran center Jesse Sutton scored game winning goal with 1:12 remaining in overtime giving his team a 3-2 wins to sign their fifth wins in as many games.

Quebec will continue their road trip on Saturday facing Charlottetown Islanders.

Six other games were on QMJHL schedule on Friday night

Blainville-Boisbriand 5 vs. Acadie-Bathurst 4 (overtime)

Saint John 4 vs. Charlottetown 0

Moncton 5 vs. Sherbrooke 3

Victoriaville 0 vs. Chicoutimi 4

Shawinigan 1 vs. Gatineau 7

Baie-Comeau 3 vs. Rouyn-Noranda 2 (overtime)

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