QUEBEC CITY, P.Q. —Playing three games in three nights on the weekend Quebec played solid hockey for second consecutive nights. After defeating Shawinigan on Friday night, they win second times over the weekend winning 4-1 against Sherbrooke. Philipp Kurashev two goals and three points and defenseman Christian Huntley a goal and two assists played key role in Quebec second consecutive win.
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Getting two chances on power plays in first period, showing a record of 0-in-2, been 0-in-28 since Christmas break, Quebec opened the scoring for the 16 times (record of 10-5) at even strength.
Quebec captain Matthew Boucher deflected a shot from defenseman Christian Huntley shot from blue line, beating Sherbrooke goaltender Branden Cregan over his shoulder for Boucher 20th of the season at 13:42.
Picking a loose puck behind Sherbrooke goal, center Philipp Kurashev came in front of the net, surprising Phoenix netminder Cregan on his right side, 3:10 into middle frame. Playing his 100 games in the QMJHL Kurashev got his second point in the game scoring his ninth of the regular season.
Quebec defenseman Christian Huntley gave home team 3-0 leads as his wrist shot from blue line beat Phoenix on left side with 12:23 remaining to play in second period.
Sherbrooke scored their first goal as Thomas Gregoire surprised Quebec goalie Antoine Samuel with only 56 seconds to play in second period.
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With the trading deadline ending on January 6 at 12:00pm, Quebec Remparts confirmed one last move, sending defenseman Gabriel Villeneuve to Chicoutimi Sagueneens, in return of third round selection in 2020.
Selected in thirrd round in 2016 (46th overall) the young defenseman showed a record of only one assist in 24 minutes played only 20 games in Quebec.
On Sherbrooke side the Phoenix sent their number one goaltender Evan Fitzpatrick to Acadie-Bathurst in return of another goaltender Reilly Pickard. In another move Sherbrooke sent their first round in 2018(previously belonging to Blainville-Boisbriand) and a 2nd round selection in 2019 to Moncton. In return the Wildcats sent young 16 years old Jaxon Bellany.
Going 0-in-3 with a man advantage, and 0-in-29 in last five games since they came back from Christmas break, Quebec finally scored goal their 4th first one in four power play opportunities in the game. Already registering one goal and one assist in the game Philipp Kurashev’s wrist shot beat Sherbrooke netminder over his right shoulder 3:22 into third periods.
For one the European center was very happy after the game. “Phil (Quebec head coach Philippe Boucher) told me I have to shoot more so I just tried to shoot more and it work out. I think it help a lot,” answered Philipp Kurashev as he was asked if he played with more confidence after coming back from World Junior Championship.
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“I came back from World Junior Championship and I feel right now,” continued the one who wear number 96 with the Remparts.
Another who played solid game ending the game with one goal was Captain Matthew Boucher. Talking about Quebec new goalie Antoine Samuel the Captain was the first to admit he is very solid in his net and bring confidence to the whole team.
“Yes, he is a very good goaltender we played against him couple times this year and we saw how good he is. He brings confidence for sure. With him and Dereck Baribeau we will have a goaltender who will give us chance to win every nights. They will make lots of saves and give confidence in us. It is a plus to have him in the team.” Quebec captain Matthew Boucher after the game.
“Yes until now it is a great weekend, answered Quebec head coach Philippe Boucher referring to their first two victories in their 3 games-in-3 nights. “ Sure we would like to pick up important points and victory. I liked the way we did it yesterday and today, maybe we were little bit slowed in first but it went well in second period and in third we found a way to keep our lead.”
Talking about his new goaltender Quebec head coach Boucher agreed to say he is a great addition. “We talked about it yesterday, the way he prepared himself, the way he is concentrated during the game, he came early this morning with the extra doing his usual routine, he take it seriously, he realized the chance he has to play in the QMJHL and the several months remaining to the regular season to try to win and earn a free agent professional contract. He was solid yesterday and today too.”
For Sherbrooke head coach Stephane Julien it was easy to resume the game. “Their best players were better than ours. Their goaltender was better than ours. We didn’t played a bad game but their best players were better than ours.”
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“We have had hard time to play solid 60 minutes. They didn’t scored tic-tac-toe goals, it was goals they had to work for to get it. Their first line Matthew Boucher, Philipp Kurashev and Matthew Groutchy were better than ours.”
Quebec will end its busy weekend traveling in Chicoutimi facing the Sagueneens on Sunday afternoon.
Five other games were on QMJHL schedule on Saturday
Rimouski 4 vs. Cape Breton 3 (overtime)
Acadie-Bathurst 3 vs. Moncton 1
Halifax 5 vs. Saint John 4 (overtime)
Gatineau 1 vs. Rouyn-Noranda 3
Drummondville 11 vs. Val-d’Or 3
Contact the author at: serge.poulin@prohockeynews.com
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