QUEBEC CITY, P.Q. — Leading by three at the beginning of third period, Quebec saw Chicoutimi score twice in last half of the period reducing the Quebec lead to one goal. But at the end Chicoutimi missed some opportunities and Quebec won by the score of 5-4. With the Montreal Junior 3-2 win over Victoriaville Tigres, the Val-d’Or Foreurs will be Quebec first round opponent in the QMJHL 2010-11 playoff series. The first two games of that series will be next Friday and Saturday March 25 and 26 in Quebec.
Having lost its last five games Guy Carbonneau’s team had an excellent chance to end their losing streak and take revenge after losing one week ago in Quebec 5-2.
After seeing Chicoutimi goaltender Christopher Gibson make the first key save of the game against the Remparts’ fourth line center Matthew Brown, Chicoutimi drew first blood in the game.
Jonathan Bonneau redirected a pass from Billy Lacasse giving no chance to Quebec veteran goaltender Louis Domingue at 3:57 of the opening period.
The Sagueneens didn’t enjoy the lead too long seeing Quebec tied the game 1-1, 11 seconds later.
Trying to get the puck out of the defensive zone Chicoutimi defenseman Danick Emond saw Quebec right winger Alexandre Grenier pick up the puck following a turnover and spotted teammate Alex Wall left alone in the slot. Wall’s shot beat Chicoutimi netminder Christopher Gibson for Quebec’s first goal.
Unable to take advantage of second power plays in the first period, Quebec saw Chicoutimi regained the lead 2-1 with Charles Hudon 23rd goal of the season in game number 67. Hudon took a rebound and beat Quebec netminder low on his left side at 14:25.
Victims of a turnover on the first Quebec goal, Chicoutimi defenseman Emond lost his stick in front of his goaltender as Quebec tied the game 2-2 just 2:14 later. Quebec rookie right winger Axel Rioux picked up a loose puck in front of Gibson and put it behind Sagueneens goalie with less than four minute left to the opening period.
A penalty to Sagueneens center Vincent Blanchette gave Quebec the opportunity to take the lead for the first time in the game. Veteran defenseman and former Gatineau Olympiques Vincent Barnard tied the record for most goals scored by a defenseman 22 (formerly belonging to Michael Sersen) when he scored with a man advantage 11:54 into the middle frame.
Already being 1 for 3 with a man advantage, Quebec took a 4-2 lead scoring their fourth goal shorthanded. Quebec defenseman Martin Lefebvre made a great pass to Frederick Roy who drove the net and beat Chicoutimi netminder with a great move at 14:27.
Quebec began the third period scoring a fifth goal leading by three for the first time in the game. Joe Dube redirected a pass from John Audy- Marchessault beating Gibson to his left side 2:49 into third period.
Chicoutimi came back scoring the next two goals reducing Quebec lead to only one goal.
Alexander Roy scored Chicoutimi third goal at 6:13 taking a rebound from Alexandre Lavoie. Steve Lebel netted Sagueneens’ fourth goal 5:09 later pushing a puck left free near the crease behind the goal line at 11:22.
Quebec will end the 2010-11 regular seasons playing game number 68 visiting the Baie-Comeau Drakkar this Sunday afternoon.
Other games in the QMJHL
Acadie-Bathurst 4 vs. Halifax 2
Prince Edward Island 4 vs. Moncton 2
Cape Breton 1 vs. Saint John 8
Montreal 3 vs. Victoriaville 2
Lewiston 7 vs. Baie-Comeau 0
Rimouski 1 vs. Gatineau 3
Drummondville 3 vs. Rouyn-Noranda 4 (shootout)
Contact the author at: serge.poulin@prohockeynews.com
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