Quebec completes perfect weekend winning in Baie-Comeau

QUEBEC CITY, P.Q. — Coming into Baie-Comeau after winning the first game in 2017-18 regular season in Chicoutimi, Quebec traveled for two hours to visit the Drakkar who also won their first game against Rimouski by the score of 5-0. Trailing 1-0 after the first period, Quebec came back in second period scoring twice in 2:40 leading them to 4-1 win against Baie-Comeau. Matthew Boucher ended his game earning the first stars of the game scoring two goals adding an assist for three points.

Winning on their first outing in 2017-18 against Rimouski as they shutout the Oceanic 5-0, Baie-Comeau played strong first period dominating first half of the period 8-2 in shots on goal.

Getting several great scoring opportunities on their first power play chance during the penalty to Quebec center Andrew Coxhead, Baie-Comeau broke the ice on their second opportunity as Alexandre Mathieu was in the penalty box for Quebec.

While Quebec goaltender Dereck Baribeau kept his team in the game in the first half of the initial period, the recent Minnesota Wild signee wasn’t able to prevent Isaiah Gallo-Demetrius, to push the rebound behind Baribeau for first goal of the game at 16:13. Bradley Lalonde took the first shot but unable to control the rebound the Drakkar center only had to wrist it behind Quebec netminder.

Dominating the first half of the opening period the Quebec goalie made key save on Shawn Element who took a shot from the slot following a turnover behind Quebec goal. Jeremy Hebert, Nathan Legare, Noah Corson and Yan Aucoin also got shots on Remparts netminder.

Antoine Samuel on Drakkar side was perfect for a fourth period of play following his shutout win the night before against the Oceanic. Samuel made 13 saves in first period.

Dominated in first half of first period, Quebec, as the game progress took the momentum of the game. Ending the first period allowing the only goal in the period even if they got the best in shots on goal 15-13, Quebec dominated the middle frame not only in shots on goal 19-2 but also scoring twice in 2:40 taking the lead for first time in the game.

Successfully killing a third penalty in the game, the visitor gets on scoreboard for the first time tying the game one goal-a-piece at even strength. Taking first shot against Baie-Comeau netminder Philipp Kurashev saw his teammate Matthew Boucher redirecting the shot to beat the one who took part of Montreal Canadiens training camp between his pads at 6:11

Getting the chance to play for the first time on the power play following the penalty taken by Xavier Bouchard, Quebec scored their second goal taking the lead for first time in the game as Olivier Mathieu beat Antoine Samuel 2:40 seconds later. Dereck Gentile took advantage of a turnover taking the first shot on Drakkar netminder.

Quebec captain Matthew Boucher was the beneficiary of a penalty shot as Boucher had been hooked by Christopher Merisier Ortiz preventing Quebec center of taking a shot on Samuel. Boucher missed his shot shooting on Samuel right side.

Trailing by one after forty minutes of play, Baie-Comeau got an excellent chance to tie the game but like the Quebec netminder did in first period Baribeau shut the door again. Getting first real scoring opportunity in the game in same circumstances, Shawn Element went on breakaway following Quebec defenseman Thomas Dajcar lose the puck. But the new Minnesota prospect in Quebec goal made the save preventing Drakkar to tie the game.

Noah Corson got another great scoring chances getting perfect pass from teammate left winger Antoine Girard, but again the former Val-d’Or goaltender made the save.

Quebec added two more goals to their lead in third period. Boucher scored his second of the game on a three-on-two breakaway with teammates Dereck Gentile and Philipp Kurashev on Quebec 40th shots on Drakkar goaltender at 18:01

Kurashev scored Quebec fourth goals in an empty net with 1:01 remaining.

Quebec next game will be next Friday night in Quebec hosting the Shawinigan Cataractes for their home opening night. On Saturday night Quebec will host Gatineau Olympiques.

Five other games were on QMJHL schedule for Saturday night

Halifax 3 vs. Charlottetown 2

Rimouski 2 vs. Chicoutimi 1 (overtime)

Cape Breton 3 vs. Saint John 1

Sherbrooke 1 vs. Rouyn-Noranda 4

Drummondville 6 vs. Val-d’Or 5 (overtime)

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