QUEBEC CITY, P.Q. — Going on the road after losing Sunday against Baie-Comeau at Videotron Center, Quebec opened the weekend making the first stop in Victoriaville. Leading by two with 9:23 in third period Quebec was able to keep a one-goal differences winning 3-2 against the Victoriaville Tigres. Quebec center Derek Gentile scores what became the game winning goal his first in QMJHL.
With Quebec getting a slight edge over Victoriaville in shots on goal, both teams scores one goal in the initial period.
Victoriaville broke the ice with 2:49 gone in the opening period. Maxime Comtois wrist shot beat Quebec goaltender Callum Booth to his right side for his third goals of regular season.
Quebec tied the score less than seven minutes later. Winning his battle for the puck in Victoriaville territory Quebec forward Yanick Turcotte found teammate defenseman Austin McEneney who scored his first goal in the QMJHL beating Tigres goaltender James Povall from the slot at 9:50.
Quebec played strong second period dominating 17-9 in shots on goal scoring the unique goal of the middle frame. After seeing Brondon Beaton hitting the post Quebec has been the beneficiary of a two men advantage for full two minutes following penaltie to Tigres forwards Maxime Comtois for delay of game and teammates Joey Sansoni for roughing.
Scoring only five goals on twenty-six power play opportunities Philippe Boucher team was unable to take advantage of it being 0-in-4 with man advantage in the game after forty minutes.
Unable to break the tie with a five-on-three power play Quebec scored the only goal of the period at even strength. A shot that hit the glass by Quebec center Zachary Moody came right back on stick of teammate defenseman Matt Murphy who redirected the puck behind Victoriaville netminder at 4:57.
Victoriaville ended the period on stronger note coming near Quebec netminder’s net but key saves by Quebec goalie and Carolina Huricaine draft pick kept his one goal lead after playing two periods.
Trailing by one the Tigres has been the beneficiary of five-on-four power play but was unable to get a goal best scoring chance came from the visitor on a two-on-one breakaway with Matt Murphy and Carozza who saw his shot save by Povall.
Quebec took a two goals leads as Derek Gentile converted a perfect pass from Quebec defenseman Ross MacDogall for his first goal in QMJHL at 9:23.
Victoriaville came back 21 seconds later bringing back his team trailing only by one. Patrick Laberge wrist shot beat Quebec goalie Booth to his right side.
Trailing by one goal (2-3) Bruce Richarson’s team got an excellent chance to tie the game and push the game in overtime when the visitor got penalized for hooking Massimo Carozza was the man been cut by referee with 1:35 left to play.
Unfortunately for the 2,026 fans who took seats in le Colisee Desjardins their favorites weren’t able to score.
Quebec next game will be in Sherbrooke facing the Phoenix on Sunday afternoon
Eight other games were on QMJHL schedule on Friday night
Shawinigan 3 VS. Acadie-Bathurst 2
Cape Breton 2 vs. Moncton 5
Gatineau 3 vs. Saint John 4 (shootout)
Halifax 3 vs. Sherbrooke 4
Charlottetown 1 vs. Blainville-Boisbriand 2
Baie-Comeau 2 vs. Rimouski 6
Drummondville 2 vs. Rouyn-Noranda 6
Chicoutimi 1 vs. Val0d’Or 4
Contact the author at: serge.poulin@prohockeynews.com
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