Quebec win in overtime against Rouyn-Noranda

QUEBEC CITY, P.Q. — Still 0-0 after forty minutes of play, trailing 1-0 in first half of third periods Quebec found a way to push the game in overtime before Quebec defenseman Benjamin Gagne made the difference and led Quebec to a record win in overtime. Winning 2-1 against Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec establish a record 12th wins and pass one point ahead of the Huskies ranking 6th overall.

Playing their third games in as many days over the weekend Rouyn-Noranda came to Quebec to play what could have been expected a great match as the Huskies is one point ahead ranked sixth in the QMJHL overall standing, but after one period score still 0-0.

Scoring 18 goals in their last two games Quebec dominated the shots on goal department 7-3 but was unable to get a puck behind Huskies Zachary Emond.

Quebec continued their domination 22-5 in shots on goal, 15-2 in second periods. Zachary Emond closed the door making several key saves keeping home team at bay. Quebec was 0-in-4 with a man up, Huskies was 0-in-2.

Finally Rouyn-Noranda was the first team to break the ice, going between Quebec defenseman Etienne Verrette and Andrew Pico Huskies captain Mathieu Boucher beat Quebec goaltender Antoine Samuel over his left shoulder with 11:35 remaining in third periods.

Going 0-in-4 with a man advantage, Quebec tied the game on their fifth power play opportunities as Rouyn-Noranda Zachary Ouellet was in penalty box. Philipp Kurashev shot hit the board as the puck came back right on stick of Quebec defenseman Sam Dunn shot from the blue line beat Rouyn-Noranda goaltender Zachary Emond for Quebec first goal at 15:07.

As the game ended tied 1-1 after sixty minute of regulation play, Quebec got the final word over Rouyn-Noranda as defenseman Benjamin Gagne scores his 9th goals of the regular season giving Quebec their 12th overtime victory in season.

“Playing three against three you have lot of place on the ice,” said the one who scored his fourth overtime goals in regular season Benjamin Gagne. “I consider myself good skater it gave me the opportunity to join the offence. With players on the ice like Philipp Kurashev and Gregor MacLeod it is sure plays will come, things will happens and I just took the opportunity that come to me and take advantage of it.”

“It was the second times they came here and each times their goaltender Zachary Emond was very solid. Honestly I tip my hat off to him,” continued Gagne. “We dominated the game in certain way, we have more shots, more scoring chances. We found a way to win.”

“It is fun, it meant we played lots of tight games, it says we have guys who can make the differences. Several did it in the pass Jesse Sutton did it more often, we are confident in these situations. Guys got fun in these situations. Dunn (Sam) gave us a chance to come back in the game. We didn’t want to make mistake, we want to bring the game in overtime, and we know we did good things. Credit went to the players.” Quebec head coach Philippe Boucher said after his team won in overtime.

“It surely not negative,” said Boucher about the overtime win even if the wins were played three against three instead of in playoff where it will be five against five. It was important moment today the game Rouyn-Noranda was in a three games in three nights they played really tight game and their goaltender has been really good again. In the first game here think he made 50 saves it was important game for us, we had to find a way to win and we did. Playoff will be the same except it will be five against five it will be moment with pressure and on pressure we do well.”

“Yes, it is a good point, yesterday we have had a bad game, we have to bounce back today. I understand we had less shots but I’m under the impression we have had more than just 11, but we would like to bounce back, our concentration was better. We hit the post two or three times. We have injuries, we have some who are sick but want to play and they did, they gave all they got. I’m proud the way we played considering the situation we are in.” Rouyn-Noranda head coach Gilles Bouchard.

Quebec next game will be next Friday night hosting Blainville-Boisbriand.

Six other games were on QMJHL schedule for Sunday

Saint John 3 vs. Charlottetown 5

Drummondville 7 vs. Halifax 1

Cape Breton 1 vs. Blainville-Boisbriand 4

Shawinigan 3 vs. Sherbrooke 5

Chicoutimi 1 vs. Victoriaville 7

Val-d’Or 1 vs. Baie-Comeau 7

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