Quebec opens Maritimes trip with victory over Charlottetown

QUEBEC CITY, P.Q. —Leaving Quebec yesterday for three games in four nights in Maritimes and losing Sunday at home against Val-d’Or Quebec opened the Maritimes trip with 5-4 win against the Charlottetown Islanders. Leading by three in the third period Quebec saw the home team come back with two goals in 2:12 trailing only by one with half period to go. Fortunately for Quebec head coach Philippe Boucher his team was able to protect the one goal lead until the siren sound confirmed Quebec victory. Massimo Carozza with two goals was the offensive leader on Quebec victory.

With each team missing first opportunities with a man up to break the ice in first period Charlottetown opened the scoring at even strength. A pass intercepted by Islanders newcomer center Jacob Drobcyk from Quebec defenseman Aaron Ward lead to right winger Bradley Kennedy scoring his 10th of the regular season beating Quebec goaltender Julian Galloway on his left side at 10:11.

Quebec replied tying the game scoring their first goal of the game on their second power play opportunities. A perfect pass from Quebec defenseman Nikolas Brouillard to Matthew Boucher going on a breakaway beating Mason MacDonald with wrist shot to his right side exactly three minutes later 13:11.

A penalty to Quebec center Carozza gave Charlottetown a chance to end first period getting their second power play chances. A shot by Oliver Cooper forced Quebec netminder to made key pad save keeping the score tied 1-1 after first period.

Quebec doubled home team shots on goal 12-6, but Charlottetown began the second period with 1:19 of power play following Carozza penalty at the end of first period.

After first period where both teams scored only one goal each, the middle frame offered much more offense as four goals were scored three by the visitors one by the home team.

Going 0-in-2 with a man advantage, Charlottetown regained the lead on their third opportunities following the penalty to Quebec defenseman Matt Murphy. Alexandre Goulet completed play of Quinn O’Brien and Dexter Weber living no chance to Quebec goalie to make the save been beaten on right side with 15:07 to play in middle frame.

Quebec came back scoring their second goal on a two-on-one breakaway Intercepting a pass Quebec left winger Matthew Boucher made great pass to Carozza scoring his first of the night at 7:18.

Carozza came back less than four minutes later giving Quebec lead for first time in the game on turnover following bad pass from Islanders defenseman Luc Duchene. MacDonald has been beaten under left arm.

Already been 1-in-3 with man advantage Quebec took a two goal leads on Charlottetown fourth penalties with O’Brien in penalty box. Bronson Beaton scores Quebec fourth goal beating Islanders netminders top corner right side at 14:27.

Besides dominating by two on main scoreboard Quebec still dominated on shots on goal department 27-12 meaning 15-6 in second period.

Quebec began the third period taking a three-goal lead as Dmytro Timashov saw his shot deflecting on Islanders defenseman David Huntley before going behind Charlottetown goaltender at 6:57.

Trailing by three, Charlottetown cut Quebec lead to one goal with two goals in 2:12. After making first save on Islanders defenseman Dexter Weber Quebec netminder wasn’t able to control the rebound Oliver Cooper’s wrist shot left no chance to Remparts goalie at 8:15.

The home team picked up their fourth goal 2:12 later. Driving to the net Kennedy redirect the shot from defenseman Luc Dechene beating Galloway between his pads for Charlottetown fourth goal.

Pulling his starting goaltender MacDonald in favor of sixth forwards in attempt to tie the game and go in overtime Islanders head coach Jim Hulton team missed times losing against Quebec.

Quebec will be back in action right the day after visiting Saint John on Thursday night.

Three other games were on QMJHL schedule on Wednesday night

Rimouski 5 vs. Chicoutimi 1

Acadie-Bathurst 3 vs. Gatineau 4 (shootout)

Moncton 5 vs. Blainville-Boisbriand 6

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