Quebec center Philipp Kurashev (96) scores Quebec first goal 57 seconds in photo courtesy of Jonathan L’Heureux of infosportquebec
QUEBEC CITY, P.Q. —Playing the best QMJHL team the Quebec Remparts got the last word against the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies in overtime by the score 4-3. Already having scored two goals, center Jesse Sutton completed his hat trick at 4:01 of the overtime period.
Leading 1-0 with only 57 seconds gone in the opening period Quebec saw their opponent coming from behind taking a 2-1 lead in second half of second period. Trailing by one Quebec came back with two goals to regain the lead 3-2 at the beginning of the third. But a goal scored by the Huskies with six seconds left on the clock pushed both teams in overtime.
“It was pretty good it was a team effort obviously playing the best team in the league you just go out there and try to send a message that we aren’t just a team around, we want to win,” Sutton said. “I put it a lot of work this summer obviously it help my game and become more of truthful player, I’m happy with the way my season goes and I’m ready to go.”
Quebec didn’t wast time before drawing the first blood. A great pass from Dmitry Buynitskiy led to Philipp Kurashev goal with only 57 seconds into the first period. Kurashev redirect Buynitskiy wrist shot beating Rouyn-Noranda goaltender Samuel Harvey low on stick side. It was Quebec center 11 points in his last eight games. Buynitskiy also played well getting his seventh point in his last eight games.
Rouyn-Noranda thought they had tied the game as Antoine Waked hit the puck after Quebec goalie Callum Booth made first save. After reviewing the play referee Jonathan Alarie waved-off the goal since the puck had been hit over the shoulder.
Quebec most recent acquisition defenseman Andrew Picot (42) photo courtesy of Jonathan L’Heureux of infosportquebec
Beneficiary of a five-on-three following consecutive penalties to Huskies Zachary Lauzon and Mathieu Boucher for 52 seconds, Quebec was unable to take advantage as Huskies, successfully killed penalties.
Beginning the second period on power play following a penalty to Quebec forward Dmitry Buynitskiy for tripping, Rouyn-Noranda took advantage of their power play to tie the game one goal-a-piece. Alexandre Fortin wrist shot beat Remparts netminder Booth between his pads with only 1:17 gone in middle frame.
Dominating the second period Rouyn-Noranda takes the lead for first time in the game. Making the save on first shot by Alexandre Fortin Quebec goalie has been beaten on rebound shot been redirect by Philippe Myers at 14:39.
Quebec took advantage of the penalty to Huskies defenseman Bruno Carl Denis been found guilty of tripping to ty the game with 2:11 remaining in middle frame. Going along the board the shot by Jesse Sutton surprised Huskies netminder between his pads.
Quebec regained the lead in shorthanded situation. Intercepting a pass attempt between two Huskies player Sutton, went on breakaway and beat Rouyn-Noranda netminder five holes taking a 3-2 lead at 5:01.
Ranking first overall the Huskies gave all they got and finally brought both teams back to square one as Bruno Carl Denis scores Rouyn-Noranda third goals with six seconds left to the third period bringing both teams to play in overtime.
Rouyn-Noranda center Jean Christophe Beaudin (16) working behind Quebec goal photo courtesy of Jonathan L’Heureux of infosportquebec
Playing three-on-three overtime period gave exciting hockey from both sides. Quebec got best scoring chance as Matthew Boucher wen on breakaway but prevented of the possibility of shooting on goal referee Jonathan Alarie allowed a penalty shot to Quebec left winger.
Boucher saw Huskies goalie Harvey make the save. Already author of two of Quebec three goals Sutton gave Quebec the victory as he scored his third goals of the game for the hat trick giving Quebec a 4-3 wins.
Huskies head coach Gilles Bouchard was pretty satisfied about the way his team played yes he would prefer to win the game but it is a process and things will turn around in the season.
“What we told the guys was we are happy the way we went out tonight, we want to come out strong because we weren’t happy about latest performances collectively and tonight has been much better. We control the game well overall but it come situations a season is long. Sometimes you work hard but it didn’t end with goal, a season is a process, we are happy the way we behave today. As coach we did not concentrate on result. It is working respect our team identity that is what it is important for us.” Rouyn-Noranda head coach Gilles Bouchard.
On Quebec side, Remparts head coach Philippe Boucher was happy.
Rouyn-Noranda young defenseman Zachary Lauzon (29) protecting the puck against Quebec forward Dmitry Buynitskiy photo courtesy of Jonathan L’Heureux of infosportquebec
“Weird game, we came out with two points, I can’t be more in disagreement with you, we beat the defending champion, we did everything we had to do to win, it might not cute by sequence. I will give lots of credit to Jesse Sutton it has been his greatest game since long times. We kept us in every games, we found way to win and we will take it. Quebec head coach Philippe Boucher said in post-game press conference.
“You have lots of players on the other side who will play in professional, it wasn’t for nothing they are league champion and first overall this year. Sometimes you will look the storm go as you will do your best and you have other times where it will be better. In second period it was little bit harder and some time in third but it was like that. We didn’t let us distracted with puck possession time, we tried to take advantage of our opportunities. Jesse (Sutton) really took advantage of it tonight.”
Quebec will complete his weekend hosting arch-rival Rimouski Oceanic on Saturday.
Seven other games were on QMJHL schedule on Friday night
Saint John 7 vs. Charlottetown 3
Sherbrooke 5 vs. Halifax 9
Blainville-Boisbriand 7 vs. Victoriaville 0
Acadie-Bathurst 3 vs. Baie-Comeau 2
Cape Breton 4 vs. Chicoutimi 7
Drummondville 4 vs. Gatineau 8
Shawinigan 2 vs. Rimouski 3
Contact the author at: serge.poulin@prohockeynews.com
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