Quebec forward Jonathan Bourcier (26) looking for the puck photo courtesy of Remy Garneau of infosportquebec
QUEBEC CITY, P.Q. — Already registering victories against Halifax (Wednesday, Shawinigan (Friday) and Rimouski (Saturday) led them to a perfect week winning three games in four nights. Facing the same Oceanic next Wednesday but in Rimouski, Quebec won first battle against their arch-rival 4-1. Jesse Sutton earns first star ending with three points two of them were goals.
Quebec opened the scoring for the 15th time this season (record 18-4) taking advantage of first penalty in the game to Rimouski forward Antoine Dufort-Plante guilty of interference. Jesse Sutton’s wrist shot from the slot went through several players leaving no chance to Oceanic goaltender Alexandre Lagace beaten to his left side at 14:47.
Each team got chances with man up in second period but neither was able to put the puck behind opponent netminder. Quebec still leading 1-0 after forty minutes of play.
After getting best scoring chances at even strength even if they hadn’t been successful in their attempt to score, Quebec saw their rival tying the game on Simon Bourque eighth of the regular season at 6:23 of the third period.
Quebec replied only 58 seconds later taking advantage of confusion between Rimouski netminder Lagace and his defensemen. Jeremy Laframboise only had to push the puck in an empty net helping his team to regain the lead.
Playing shorthanded trying to kill penalty to teammate Olivier Garneau, Quebec captain Matthew Boucher stole the puck from Charles-Edward D’Astous beating Oceanic netminder under right arm with backhanded shot at 17:56.
Quebec goaltender Callum Booth earns second stars in the game making 26 saves on 27 Rimouski shots photo courtesy of Remy Garneau of infosportquebec
Sutton completed the scoring with his second goal with only 34 seconds left to the third period.
Rimouski head coach Serge Beausoleil preferred to give credit to their opponent even if he recognized that the game was good one.
“Yeah it was a good game, the game was on the line Lagace (Alexandre) kept us in the game even if in second period we allowed around ten scoring chances to Quebec. Bad communication in the third between defenseman and our goalie but I don’t think he was the one who is responsible of our loss even if it became the game winning goal.” Rimouski head coach Serge Beausoleil said after the game near his team locker room.
“In second period we have had an empty net but we shoot on the post, we have some tough times with our power play this days, our power play went very well for most part of the season but lately we seem to be in a slump. We have to play more simple game.” Continued Beausoleil.
“Remparts didn’t gave too many goals since the beginning of the year, they have two of the best goaltenders in the league. We expected another tight hockey game it was what we have had tonight. I like the way we played to begin first, second periods we were on the puck but we didn’t create lots of offense.”
“It was a surprise for everyone, they have great coaching staff they did incredible job, they have two great goaltenders giving them chances to win game every night with the parity in the league it is less surprising they continue to win. On the other hand we have to give credit to the coaching staff.” Ended Oceanic head coach Beausoleil.”
Rimouski defenseman Karl Boudrias (93) battling for the puck in corner photo courtesy of Remy Garneau of infosportquebec
The victory against Rimouski put Quebec in first place in their division and ranks them third overall, even if not many fans would predicted that in the beginning of the year for captain Matthew Boucher and all the team they believe in themselves.
“Personally at the beginning of the year when I look to the team we had and still have lots of talent, no I don’t think so I expected us to be there at the beginning of the regular season.” Answered Quebec left winger Matthew Boucher.
“I’m not necessarily surprised, I think people who placed us last in the league might be surprised to see where we were today but for me I always believed in this team and it is the same for everyone in locker room, and you can ask everyone.” Quebec captain said.
Ending the game with three point’s two goals Jesse Sutton played another solid game showing lots of character for 18 years old player.
“Yeah it has been good like you said I think it was just beneficiary of hard work, we have great working team so we just have to keep that up.” Jesse Sutton said.
“It was something we discuss before the game,” answered Sutton when he was ask about the possibility of finding the team in first place in their division. “I’m not sure it was something people expected but we can say we are a hard working team we put the work all year, right now we will enjoy it, but can can’t sit back on our laurels, we have to continue to work all year, we got to keep pushing for it.” Ended the one who scores two goals in the game.
Rimouski goaltender Alexandre Lagace kept his team in the game especially in second periods photo courtesy of Remy Garneau of infosportquebec
“I wouldn’t expect to hear that question first,” answered Quebec head coach Philippe Boucher when he was asked how he felt to see his team been first in their division and third in the overall standing.
“I’m happy for the guys, when you asked them how do we do to go there, you can’t be a passenger in our division you have very solid team in our division. When you ask them why we are there they will answer work and it was still that tonight again. Three game in four night against the schedule aren’t really easy it is the same for everyone but it wasn’t an easy week having faced Halifax, Shawinigan last night and arch-rival Rimouski always tight game. Maybe they were inspired by the Rouge et Or (University football team winning the Vanier Cup emblematic of the Canadian University championship) maybe they help our kids, they motivate them to see a champion team.” Remparts head coach Boucher said.
Quebec next two games will be on the road next Wednesday in Rimouski and on Thursday Quebec will face Acadie-Bathurst.
Four other games were on QMJHL schedule on Saturday.
Blainville-Boisbriand 5 vs. Gatineau 2
Halifax 4 vs. Baie-Comeau 5 (shootout)
Val-d’Or vs. Charlottetown (reported to ulterior date)
Rouyn-Noranda 3 vs. Monctom 4 (shootout)
Contact the author at: serge.poulin@prohockeynews.com
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