Quebec snap losing streak at three with win in Victoriaville Boucher and Galarneau score two goals each

QUEBEC CITY, P.Q. —Being on a three-game losing streak, Quebec went to Victoriaville facing one of the best teams in the QMJHL. Showing a record of 9-2 when tied after the first period, Quebec scored two times in second period with a man up. With the score been tied 0-0 after first period, and 2-0 after two periods, the visitor added three more in the third leading them to 5-2 win against the Tigres. Matthew Boucher (2g-0a) and Olivier Garneau (2-1) led Quebec offensive earning first two stars of the game.

After a scoreless first period, Quebec took control of second period scoring three times with the help of their power play. A five-minute major to Victoriaville forward Pascal Laberge for aggressor plus was ejected for hitting Quebec right winger Mikael Robidoux who had check Tigres left winger Vitalii Abramov along the board.

Going 26-in-129 on the power play for 20.2 percent, Quebec scored twice on the Laberge penalty. Quebec captain scored the first Quebec two goals in a span of 2:23. On first goal, Remparts left winger took his own rebound beating Victoriaville goaltender Tristan Cote-Cazenave who was already on his knees. Luke Kirwan and Philipp Kurashev got the assist at 3:44.

Boucher came back two minutes later completing a great pass from teammates Derek Gentile. Boucher second goals into the period came at 5:11. Boucher second goals led the Quebec captain to join Drake Batherson and Filip Zadina as they were best scoring leader with 37 points each.

Quebec took advantage of Victoriaville undisciplined play in middle frame to add a third goal going 3-for-4 on the power play. Garneau redirected a shot from defenseman San Dunn living no chance to Cote-Cazenave at 16:28.

Criticized by their head coach Philippe Boucher in preceding week as he hoped to get better offensive contribution, Quebec veteran forwards answered positively as Boucher registered two goals and veteran Garneau registered his second goal in the game in third period giving a 4-0 lead to Quebec 14:18 remaining in third period.

Victoriaville prevented a shutout with 5:53 to play in the third as Maxime Contois completed the great play by Vitalii Abramov and Ivan Kosarenko.

Pulling his starting netminder Cote-Cazenave in hope to put more pressure on visiting team and tried to score goals, Victoriaville head coach Louis Robitaille saw Quebec adding another goals a 5th one in an empty net with 3:09 to go.

Getting their second power play of the game Victoriaville scored last goal in the game their second as Felix Boivin beat Dereck Baribeau over his right shoulder with 1:17 remaining.

Quebec will end their four games in five nights on Sunday afternoon visiting the Gatineau Olympiques.

Four other games were on QMJHL schedule on Saturday night.
Val-d’Or 1 vs. Sherbrooke 4
Halifax 7 vs. Saint John 1
Rouyn-Noranda 0 vs. Drummondville 2
Baie-Comeau 2 vs. Gatineau 6

Contact the author at: serge.poulin@prohockeynews.com
Follow us on Twitter @prohockeynews

Leave a Comment