Rouyn-Noranda shut out Quebec in Videotron Center

QUEBEC CITY, P.Q. —Losing their last game (2-1) against Val-d’Or last Sunday Rouyn-Noranda came in Quebec with firm intention of getting a win in Quebec. Scoring one goal in each period, playing well defensively, Rouyn-Noranda came out of Videotron Center with 3-0 win over Quebec. Huskies defenseman Justin Bergeron scored two goals in the victory. Selected 176th overall in round sixth in 2018 by the San Jose Sharks goaltender Zachary Emond registering his first shutout in 2018-19 regular season making 22 saves.

“We didn’t gave too many things to Quebec except their best moment in second periods, I really liked the way we play, we stayed inside, we kept our Defensive side, Quebec took shots mostly from outside, maybe the puck deflected twice on stick. I like the way we competed one-on-one, we didn’t give anything solid from the slot,” said Huskies head coach Pouliot.

Rouyn-Noranda broke the ice first on Wednesday night in Quebec on their fourth shots on goal, with 7:50 remaining in the opening period. Jakub Lauko, on perfect pass, from teammate Peter Abbandonato beat Quebec goaltender Anthony Morrone, on his left side, on wrist shot.

Killing the first two Quebec power plays, the Huskies add to their lead taking advantage of their first power play advantage. The long shot from the blue line by defenseman Justin Bergeron beat Quebec netminder with 7:05 left in middle frame.

Already scoring visitor second goal in the game in second period, Huskies defenseman Bergeron scored his second goal of the game at 6:06 of third period.

Rouyn-Noranda goaltender Zachary Emond, a San Jose Sharks prospect selected 176th overall in sixth round in 2018, made 22 saves registering his first shutout of the year.

“Since he came back from San Jose training camp, he is confident, he compete enormously and tonight he was in control from the beginning to the end,” Huskies head coach Mario Pouliot said about his second goaltender Emond as Samuel Harvey a 20 years old veteran is the number one.

“When he had to make the save he did it, I really like the way he controlled the rebound.”

Quebec captain defenseman Benjamin Gagne was hiding his head in the sand as he admitted that player’s presence on the ice was too long especially when the team played lots of games.

“They really played well defensively, we have to give them credit,” first answered Quebec captain defenseman Benjamin Gagne. “We did not worked as we should have it showed little bit after the game. It was tired to play that kind of games, we will have to find a way to continue to play those kind of game during the rest of the year. The keys will be to shorten our shift, our shifts were too long this time, especially when you played lots of games in short period of times. It will be very important to keep our shift shorter.” Admitted Gagne.

Even if his team loses by shutout, Quebec head coach wasn’t disappointed about their team efforts, “They played a very great road game,” Quebec head coach Patrick Roy said, about the Huskies. “They defended the front of their net very well, their defensemen were excellent. I think both teams didn’t has had great scoring chances. We played a team like us playing with lots of intensity, they were on the puck. Both teams played with intensity but I felt they had little bit more then us.” Admitted Roy.

“I’m happy about the way he team played, I’m happy about the team effort, we worked well defensively. We gave them a goal in shorthanded situation, one on a bad luck as the puck deflected in front of the net, good team made the chances you will tell me, it is positive, I like what I saw from my team, guys work hard and that is what is important for us. Unfortunately, we had great sequence, we picked up points in three of our last games against strong team but tonight it stopped there. So tomorrow we will have to get ready for the practice and for next game on Friday night,”added Roy.

Quebec will play their next five game on the road beginning with fist stop this Friday in Victoriaville facing the Tigres. On next Sunday Remparts will end their weekend in Gatineau facing the Olympiques.