Quebec ends weekend with victory against Baie-Comeau

QUEBEC CITY, P.Q. —Opening their weekend with a losing effort in Chicoutimi on Friday night Philippe Boucher’s team played much better in Baie-Comeay scoring two goals in each period leading them to a 6-2 win over Drakkar. Bronson Beaton, Matthew Boucher with two goals each led Quebec to their 13th win in 25 games.

Quebec played much better first period in Baie-Comeau leading by two after the first period. Dominating 14-8 in shots on goal, Quebec took advantage of their first power play opportunity to break the ice.

Seeing the first shot by Quebec defenseman Nikolas Brouillard deflected on one of his defenseman skates Baie-Comeau goaltender Evgeny Kiselev wasn’t able to do anything as left winger Matthew Boucher beat Drakkar netminder between his pads with 11 seconds remaining to Joachin Vachon penalty. Boucher’s goal came at 9:44.

Quebec came back about six minutes later adding a second goal. Supporting the offence Quebec defenseman Brouillard who already got an assist on Quebec first goal made a perfect pass to Dmytro Timashov, left completely uncovered, to Kiselev scoring his 11th of the regular season at 15:40.

Drakkar netminder played a solid first period despite the two goals making several key saves stopping two Quebec breakaways one against Zachary Moody as couple minutes in first periods had been played the other after Quebec second goals against Brian McReynolds.

While the game in the night before didn’t end as Quebec head coach Philippe Boucher would like , his team continued to follow the game plan as they added two more goals in the middle frame.

Bronson Beaton scored two goals in 1:01 for Quebec giving his team a 4-0 cushion after forty minutes.

Using Drakkar defenseman Matteo Pietronero as screen Beaton wrist shot beat Baie-Comeau goalie between his pads for Quebec third goals scored at even strength at14:52.

Quebec fourth goal came on third power play opportunities. Forgotten behind Drakkar defenseman Beaton got perfect pass from Zachary Moody as Quebec center only had to push the puck beating Baie-Comeau goalie at 15:53.

Losing their last five games at home, trailing by four after forty minutes The team coach by Marco Pietronero began the third one cutting Qquebec lead in half scoring first two goals of the third periods.

Drakkar left winger Vincent Lavoie was the first player to beat Quebec netminder Brady Labrecque in his QMJHL debut after been called up from junior A league. Lavois’s shot seem to have been deflected before beating Remparts goaltender over his left shoulder 1:44 into the third periods.

Going 0-for-3 with man advantage in the game Baie-Comeau scored their second goal during the penalty to Quebec forward Jesse Sutton found guilty of tripping at 10:47. The shot from Fabrizio Ricci seen to hit a stick before touching Quebec netminder pads before slowly crossing the goal line at 11:50.

Already scoring two goals in each of first two periods Quebec came back replying with next two goals in 31 seconds getting back their four-goal lead. Winning his battle for the puck Quebec forward Zachary Moody found teammates Matthew Boucher scoring his second of the game at 14:38.

Getting a great pass from Timashov Quebec defenseman Ross McDougall comes around Drakkar net beating Kiselev to his right side 31 seconds later at 15:09.

For Baie-Comeau, it was their 10th consecutive loses, their 6th at home and their 18th in 21 games.

Quebec will be back hone Friday hosting the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies.

Seven other games were on QMJHL schedule on Saturday night

Cape Breton 7 vs. Moncton 5

Drummondville 1 vs. Chicoutimi 5

Victoriaville 6 vs. Gatineau 1

Shawinigan 1 vs. Sherbrooke 4

Acadie-Bathurst 3 vs. Charlottetown 2

Saint John 3 vs. Halifax 2 (overtime)

Rimouski 4 vs. Val-d’Or 5

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