Rimouski bounce back with win in Quebec

Quebec organization honored Real Cloutier as they retired his number 10 jersey hanging on Videotron Center roof photo courtesy of Jonathan L’Heureux of infosportquebec

QUEBEC CITY, P.Q. —Playing their third game in four nights, losing the night before in Chicoutimi, Rimouski ended their road trip on positive note defeating arch rival Quebec 4-1. Daniel Hardie with two goals and an assist was the best player offensively butt veteran forward Tyler Boland and Dylan Montcalm were dominant in the game.

Having the edge in shots on goal 13-10 Quebec best scoring change came from Derek Gentile forcing Charle-Olivier Levesque to make great save.

Killing a penalty to Rimouski defenseman Nicolas Dumoulon, Rimouski got the best scoring chance as Hunter Moreau got two great scoring chances forcing Quebec goaltender Evgeny Kiselev to make two consecutive saves.

Rimouski was the first team to get on the scoreboard with 1:34 remaining in the first period. A turnover in Quebec zone led European forward Denis Mikhnin to score his 17th of the year beating Remparts netminder on his right side.

Opening the scoring at even strength in first period Rimouski adds to their lead on their second power play opportunities. The shot from the blue line by Samuel Hunter hit teammate Maxim Trepagne’s skate beating Quebec goalie on his left side at 1:47.

Quebec replied 42 seconds later cutting visiting lead in half as Olivier Garneau wrist shot surprised Oceanic netminder Levesque on his right side at 2:29.

Quebec left winger Yanick Turcotte (17) back in the lineup after two games suspensions photo courtesy of Jonathan L’Heureux of infosportquebec

Leading by one after forty minutes of play Rimouski took control of the third period giving almost no chance to Quebec to get great scoring chances. Taking his own rebound after Quebec goalie Kiselev made the first save Tyler Boland scored his 39th of the year making 3-1 Oceanic.

Daniel Hardie completed the scoring beating Kiselev over his right shoulder at 18:03.

“Very satisfied of our players, we were in a three games in four nights, we played inspired hockey tonight said Rimouski head coach Serge Beausoleil.

“We have made confidence to all of our players in tonight game and it was very satisfying. Yes we are happy to bounce back after last night game even if it was a good game even if we lose it,” Oceanic head coach Beausoleil said in reference of his team loss (4-2) in Chicoutimi.

“Yesterday we lose the puck in third period against Chicoutimi, tonight we are on the puck in third periods it was the big difference.” Ended Rimouski head coach Serge Beausoleil.

Possibly one of the best players tonight on Quebec side Olivier Garneau answered reporter’s questions after the game. “When the other team worked harder than us we didn’t really have chance to win. We know we have to outwork the other team if we want to have chance to win a game. Tonight it wasn’t the case they worked harder than us that is why they left with the two points.”

Rimouski center Emanuel Aucoin (18) near Quebec goaltender trying to push puck under Kiselev’s pads photo courtesy of Jonathan L’Heureux of infosportquebec

For Quebec head coach he admitted his team seem to be tired following a third games in four nights. “We played like a tired team honestly, that is what I found, in this league, when we work harder than another team we can beat them. When a team work harder than us they can beat the Remparts,” Quebec head coach Philippe Boucher said after the game.

“Rimouski is a good team Boland (Tyler) did play very well he made us paid, he has been dominant from the beginning to the end. They work harder than us and we were little bit tired.” Boucher said.

Quebec will go on the road playing next game in Sherbroke on next Wednesday February 8.

Five other games were on QMJHL schedule for Saturday night

Saint John 7 vs. Cape Breton 0

Rouyn-Noranda 4 vs. Baie-Comeau 1

Val-d’Or 4 vs. Blainville-Boisbriand 5 (overtime)

Gatineau 3 vs. Shawinigan 2

Sherbrooke 2 vs. Victoriaville 7

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

2- Rimouski goaltender Charle-Olivier Levesque was solid in front of Oceanic net making important saves in key moments photo courtesy of Jonathan L’Heureux of infosportquebec