Quebec get last word in OT win over Cataractes

QUEBEC CITY, P.Q. — Beginning a three games in five nights road trip with the first stop in Shawinigan Quebec got the final word winning 5-4 in overtime against the Cataractes. Victim of costly mistakes leading to Shawinigan second goal, defenseman Benjamin Gagne scored the game winning goal for Quebec’s 10th overtime win this season.

Shawinigan opened the scoring on Tuesday night in Gervais Auto Center. A great pass from Leon Denny to Jan Drozg who only had to put the puck in an empty net since Quebec goaltender Dereck Baribeau was already out of his net. Drozg’s goal was his 15th of the year coming at 4:43 of the opening period.

Dominated 12-6 in shots on goal, Quebec tied the game with 33.5 seconds remaining in the first period. Surprised by the speed of Quebec forward execution, Gregor MacLeod beat Shawinigan goaltender Mathieu Bellemare over his left shoulder.

Dominated by the Cataractes in first period, Quebec turned things around in middle frame scoring twice allowing only one goal in second period.

With the score tied one goal apiece, Quebec took the lead for first time in the game thanks to defenseman San Dunn who scored his 5th of the year. Making the first save on Quebec left winger Louis-Filip Cote, pinching in defenseman Sam Dunn beat Cataractes netminder with 14:48 remaining in the middle frame.

A defensive turnover in Quebec defensive zone led to Shawinigan equalizer goal with 10:45 to go in the period. Trying to make a pass to get out of Quebec territory defenseman Benjamin Gagne saw his pass intercepted by Alex Plamondon. The shot by Shawinigan center has been redirected by Max-Antoine Melancon who scored his second of the year.

Killing a five-on-three for 38 seconds and five-on-four for 1:20, Quebec regained the lead for second time. Coming out of penalty box Quebec defenseman Etienne Verrette made perfect pass to Olivier Garneau beating Cataractes netminder over right shoulder at 14:14 of middle frame.

Another turnover in Quebec defensive zone led to Shawinigan tying the score for second times in the game. After hitting the skate of a player the puck went in the slot, opportunistic Melancon beat Quebec netminder on left side for his second goal of the night at 3:23 into third period.

Quebec came back regaining the lead for third times as Matthew Groutchy scored his 13th of the season as he drove to the net to redirect a first shot by teammate Loui-Filip Cote at 13:02.

Shawinigan came back for the third time tying the score 4-4. Making first save on Leon Denny first shot Quebec goaltender wasn’t able to control the rebound going right in the slot. Jeremy Manseau long wrist shot slowly cross the goal line for Cataractes center9th goals of the year with 5:12 remaining in the third.

Ending regulation both teams got a point in standing and have to battle for the additional point.

Victim of a costly mistake that led to Shawinigan first of two goals scored by Max-Antoine Melancon, Quebec defenseman Benjamin Gagne gave his team the win as his wrist shot beat Shawinigan netminder Bellemare over his right shoulder at 2:41 of the overtime.

Quebec will return in action visiting Gatineau to face the Olympiques on Wednesday night.

Two other games were on QMJHL schedule on Tuesday night.

Halifax 6 vs. Charlottetown 2

Rouyn-Noranda 1 vs. Drummondville 3

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