Quebec wins in shootout over arch-rival Rimouski

QUEBEC CITY, P.Q. —Ranked 11th overall in the QMJHL Quebec came in Rimouski minus five players, with two others left last game in Quebec against Chicoutimi. Igor Larionov in first period and Yanick Turcotte later in same game also had to leave due to injury. Trailing by one after one period, Quebec came back tying the score in middle frame. Unable to put the puck behind Oceanic netminder Charles-Olivier Levesque neither in third period or the five minutes overtime, Quebec needed five players, the last one being Philipp Kurashev to finally earn the additional points for 2-1 win.

Dictating the momentum right from the puck drop, dominating 17-9 in shots on goal, Rimouski was the only team to get on scoreboard. A great transition between Dennis Mikhnin, and Maxim Trepanier, led to first goal of the game, scored by Tyler Boland for his 47th goals of the year with 11:03 remaining in the opening period.

Ending the first period and beginning the second playing on first power play following a penalty to Quebec forward Mikael Robidoux, Rimouski was unable to add to their lead.

Quebec also got their first power play chances with 8:17 to play in second period but the Oceanic successfully killed Quebec only power play opportunity.

Quebec tied the game 1-1 playing at even strength, as defenseman Christian Huntley left no chance, to Rimouski netminder Charles-Olivier Levesque. Huntley wrist shot beat Oceanic goalie over his right shoulder. With no room to get a great shot Mathieu Ayotte made pass to Huntley, Shawn Bily also got an assist.

Quebec goaltender Evgeny Kiselev made several key saves preventing the Oceanic to add more goals.

After neither team was able to put the puck behind the other netminder in third period, Rimouski best scorer hit the post with less than 10 seconds remaining in the overtime period.

Making 45 saves out of 46 Oceanic shots in three periods of play plus five minutes overtime, Evgeny Kiselev closed the door on five other Oceanic players before Philipp Kurashev on Quebec fifth shots beat Rimouski goalie Levesque giving a 2-1 win to Quebec.

Quebec will end regular season at home this Saturday hosting Phoenix of Sherbrooke.

Eight other games were on QQQMJHL schedule on Friday night

Saint John 3 vs. Charlottetown 6

Cape Breton 3 vs. Halifax 2 (overtime)

Acadie-Bathurst 8 vs. Moncton 2

Val-d’Or 2 vs. Victoriaville 3

Rouyn-Noranda 2 vs. Blainville-Boisbriand 3

Baie-Comeau 1 vs. Chicoutimi 3

Drummondville 1 vs. Gatineau 5

Sherbrooke 2 vs. Shawinigan 7

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