Quebec wins in OT. against Baie-Comeau

QUEBEC CITY, P.Q. —Playing their second of a three games in four nights in the Videotron Center Quebec came from behind to register a 2-1 overtime win against Baie-Comeau Drakkar on Friday night. Gregor MacLeod scored game-winning goal on their fifth power play opportunity 2:44 of the overtime but the goal needed to be reviewed by referee Jonathan Girard before being awarded to Quebec.

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“When you heard the sound, it ring more like white post than a red post, with all the replay we have and camera, happy that was a goal because we look ourselves a little bit in first part of the four-on-three, you didn’t want to drop it when you got a chance like that one.” Quebec head coach Philippe Boucher said after the game.

“We only had one scoring chance on the league chart in first two periods, they played really well here. When you just came out of loss like they have had (7-0, against Blanville-Boisbriand) last Wednesday, kids are proud so they didn’t want that to happen a second times, so we have had the best game from Baie-Comeau. We found a way to come from behind. This time of year, the goal is to win game, and we found a way to do it.”

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For Baie-Comeau head coach Martin Bernard, the turning point has been Quebec power play to begin the third period. But talking about the overtime goal Drakkard head coach wasn’t sure at first. “I wasn’t sure at first but the replay was unequivocally, that is why we have video replay,” Bernard said.

“I think the penalty at the end of second period chance the momentum of the game. When you began a period having to kill a penalty, the goal gave Quebec some winds but on our side we certainly wouldn’t dropped any point here tonight. Guys weren’t as bad as they were last Wednesday but in same time we worked harder.”

Playing for the first time against his former team Quebec goaltender Antoine Samuel played strong game keeping the score 0-1 until Remparts scored their first goal in the beginning of third periods.

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“Gus played big game ahead of me tonight,” answered veteran netminder Antoine Samuel. “Baie-Comeau got a scoring chance to begin the second periods they put it in. Beside that it was routine saves. Guys played good defensively I was eager for guys to score first goal. They played well, we got the two points and I’m very happy.” Ended the former Drakkar veteran goaltender.

After scoreless defensive first period where a total of nine shots from both teams, Baie-Comeau drew first blood in the game in second period.

A bad change by Quebec led the Drakkar to a two-on-one breakaway. A great pass by Ivan Chekhovich to Gabriel Fortier beat former teammate goaltender Antoine Samuel between his pads with backhand shot with 12:39 remaining in middle frame.

Going 0-in-2 with a man advantage in the game Quebec began the third period with a third power plays following the penalty to Xavier Bouchard at 20:00 of the second period.

Trailing by one, Francis Leclerc made first save on shot by Philipp Kurashev but in the slot Quebec Captain Matthew Boucher beat the former Blainville-Boisbriand goaltender who had been claimed on waver the week before scoring his 24th of the year 19 seconds in.

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As both teams went in overtime, playing four-on-four hockey, Quebec got an excellent chance to put an end to the game as referee Jonathan Girard signaled a penalty to Drakkar center Gabriel Fortier. Gregor MacLeod put an end to the game scoring his 15th goal of the regular season 2:44 into the fourth period giving Quebec a second win in the three games in four night to begin the weekend.

“I had no clue,” answered the author of game winning goal in overtime Gregor MacLeod. “It was a surprised, I didn’t see the red light on. We worked really hard in practice, we knew coming into this game, it would be a hard game against these guys. We stayed composed and we were all good.” Continued the former Charlottetown Islanders player MacLeod who has been acquired in last deadline trading period.

Quebec will end their three games in four night on Saturday afternoon hosting Rimouski Oceanic.

Seven other games were on QMJHL schedule on Friday

Acadie-Bathurst 7 vs. Cape Breton 2

Halifax 1 vs. Moncton 5

Charlottetown 5 vs. Saint John 2

Drummondville 4 vs. Blainville-Boisbriand 5

Rimouski 2 vs. Chicoutimi 3 (overtime)

Victoriaville 5 vs. Shawinigan 2

Rouyn-Noranda 4 vs. Val-d’Or 1

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