QUEBEC CITY, P.Q. — Dominating the first and third period in shots on goal wasn’t enough. A solid performance by goaltender Francois Lacerte combined with opportunism sealed Quebec coffin for their last game on the road in 2011-12 season losing 5-0 against Gatineau in front of 3,956 fans.
Addressing his players a day after his team lost (3-1) against Drummondville Friday, Quebec head coach made sure his team began the game strong. Dominating the first period 17- 7 in shots on goal Quebec returned to their locker room trailing 1-0.
Looking to understand how a team could trail 1-0 after dominating in shots on goal department? One name, Gatineau goaltender Lacerte.
The Olympiques netminder made key saves on Adam Erne, Alexandre Contois, Mikhail Grigorenko (hit the post on Quebec first power play), Michael McNamee and Vincent Barnard.
Blanking Quebec 0-3 with a man advantage, Gatineau didn’t miss on their first opportunity with a man up. Rock Regimbald on a one-timer gave Gatineau a 1-0 giving no chance to Quebec goalie Francois Brassard on his left side at 10:09. Qwen Werthner was in the box being caught by referee Eric Charon for hooking at 9:49.
Already trailing by one after the first twenty minutes, Quebec players needed to pay the price more in front of opponent netminder to make plays. Killing a 4-on-3 Gatineau power play to begin the second, Quebec head coach hoped it was what could ignites fire for his players. Unfortunately instead Patrick Roy saw Gatineau adds three more goals to their lead.
Trying to get out of his own defensive zone Quebec defenseman Martin Lefebvre saw his pass been taken by Emile Poirier who took first shot on Brassard. Unable to hold the rebound the puck went right on Tomas Heka’s stick beating Quebec goalie at 7:41 of middle frame.
Scoring the first goal of the game during their first power play opportunity during a penalty to Owen Wertner in first period, Gatineau scored their third goal also during Werthner. Being 1-in-3 with a man advantage, Garrett Clarke writ shot beat Brassard to his left side at 11:06.
Before the period ended Kyle Morrison gave a 4-0 lead to Gatineau with his 14th of the regular season.
The only goal in the third period came from the stick of Olympiques left winger Alexandros Soumakis his 18th of regular season at 9:13.
Quebec will end the home portion of the regular season with last two games at le Colisee Pepsi. On Friday night Quebec will host the Blainville-Boisbriand and on Saturday Chicoutimi will be in town.
Three other games were on QMJHL schedule on Sunday
Saint John 2 vs. Shawinigan 6
Rouyn-Noranda 3 vs. Val-d’Or 2
Chicoutimi 3 vs. Victoriaville 5
Contact the author at: serge.poulin@prohockeynews.com
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