QUEBEC CITY, P.Q. — Dominating the first period without been able to break the ice, Saint John scored all the goal they needed (3) in the second period leading them to 3-2 win in regulation time over Rimouski.
A goal scored on penalty shot by Charles Coyle made the difference in favor of the defending President Cup and Memorial Cup champion.
Saint John took Rimouski territory by storm in game two shooting four times in first two shifts. First key save of the game has been done by Rimouski goaltender Jacob Gervais-Chouinard on Charles Coyle. Saint John already had the advantage in shots on goal 6-1 with 9:18 remaining in the opening period.
The best scoring chances for Serge Beausoleil team came from the stick of defenseman Casey Babineau when his shot hit the post. Corbeil was able to recover the loose puck in his crease with his glove. Saint John dominated 14- 3 in shots on goal after one period of play.
After scoreless first period Saint John scored first three goals of the game in 5:24 seconds. Danick Gauthier on a two-on-one breakaway with Jason Seed completed the play putting the puck behind Oceanic netminder at 6:12.
The Sea Dogs added to their lead following a face off won in the offensive zone with Saint John being on power play. Tomas Jurco redirected a shot from Spencer McDonald at the blue line following Coyle face off won against Francis Beauvillier at 7:02.
Saint John third goal came on a penalty shot allowed to Sea Dogs center Coyle by referee Jean-Philippe Sylvain at 11:36.
Rimouski broke the ice with their first goal of the game 3:14 later. Being down following first save on Rimouski center Francis Beauvillier, Saint John netminder Corbeil was unable to do anything when Rimouski, forward Peter Straka took the rebound putting the puck behind Corbeil at 15:50.
After dominating 24-10 in shots on goal in the first forty minutes and 3-1 on main scoreboard in game two, Saint John, played more defensively shooting only three times in first half of third period. Rimouski also shoot three times on goal.
Trying to cut Saint John lead to one goal Rimouski head coach pulled his starting netminder with 1:50 left in the game. Forced to send him back in due to face off in neutral zone the Oceanic saw their hope revived with 1:04 remaining, when Straka scored his second of the night, seeing the puck went under Sea Dogs netminder’s glove.
Unfortunately, for the Oceanic, Saint John was able to kill seconds left on scoreboard to sign second victories in as many nights to lead best-of-seven series 2-0.
Game three of the QMJHL President Cup final will be schedule for up coming Wednesday April 9.
Contact the author at: serge.poulin@prohockeynews.com
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