Saint John young forward Joe Veleno (9) in action near Quebec goalie crease photo courtesy to Jonathan L’Heureux infosportquebec
QUEBEC CITY, P.Q. — Trailing twice in the first two periods (0-1, 1-2) Saint John came back in the third period scoring two goals to win 4-2 over Quebec. Samuel Dove-McFalls scored two goals to lead the Sea Dogs’ offense, the second one was scored in an empty net.
“Yeah it was hard fought road game for us,” Saint John head coach Danny Flynn said after the game. “They played us tough, they defended real well, and we didn’t get lots of shots from the prime scoring area. We have lots of zone time, lots of possession but they didn’t gave us lots of scoring chances in prime scoring area.”
“Yes it was the tough road game it was a record setting five games road trip we never have done this before in 11 days so we will see how it work. We brought school books with us so we will spend lots of times as team. But yes it was a good thing to get the first one out of the way.” Ended Sea Dogs head coach Flynn.
Showing a record of 19.1 percent, 11th in the league on power play, Quebec wasn’t able to take advantage of their first power play opportunity following a penalty to Saint John veteran winger Spencer Smallman.
Quebec face-off against Saint John minus one player as veteran 20-year old left winger Yanick Turcotte has been suspended for two games, following his aggression with less than five minutes to play in last game, against Victoriaville on Wednesday. Turcotte tried to come to the defense of his young 16 years old Andrew Coxhead.
Saint John defenseman Olivier Felixson working behind his net photo courtesy of Jonathan L’Heureux infosportquebec
Already 0-for-1 with a man advantage Quebec took advantage of their second chances with a man up. Ross McDougall one timer left no chance to Saint John goaltender being beaten high on Alex Bishop right side at 12:12 in the opening period. Sea Dogs and former Screaming Eagles left winger Cole Reginato was in the penalty box for interference.
Saint John tied the game with less than two minutes to play in the first period. Unable to keep the rebound following first shot by Matt Green, Samuel Dove-McFalls beat Quebec goaltender Callum Booth over his left shoulder with a backhand shot with 1:30 remaining in the period.
Quebec regained the lead on a two-on-one breakaway. A great pass from center Jesse Sutton to Louis Philip Cote beating Saint John netminder with backhand shot at 7:26. Cote scores in fourth consecutive game.
Saint John came back to ty the game at two with 4:29 to go in the period. Veteran Sea Dogs winger Bokondji Imama wrist shot surprised Quebec goalie over left shoulder. Quebec ended middle frame with a four-minute power play following a penalty to Sea Dogs center Nathan Noel. Quebec was 1-in-5 on power play after forty minutes of play.
Quebec right winger Derek Gentile driving the net photo courtesy to Jonathan L’Heureux infosportquebec
The visitor took the lead for first time in the game as Matthew Highmore redirect a pass from teammates and very talented Joe Veleno beating Booth on left side with only 2:26 into the third period.
“As 16 years old he did very, very well,” answered Saint John head coach Danny Flynn about young Phenom Joe Veleno. “We have played him at center, at right wings, at left winger, we gave him on power play time, and used him in penalty kill, and he played lot of minutes for 16 years old. He is just a quality young guy and a really good person.” Ended Sea Dogs head coach Flynn.
Dove-McFalls completed the scoring for the visitor scoring his second of the game this time in an empty net at 19:16.
Author of Quebec second goal for Quebec Loui-Philip Cote was the first to admit his team to work better on power play but also the first to give credit to Saint John.
Quebec forward Olivier Garneau (14) facing Sea Dogs defenseman Alexandre Bernier photo courtesy to Jonathan L’Heureux infosportquebec
“For sure we would like to have more opportunities on power plays, we had tough time to get in their zone but we will work on that and it will be better. Little bit of both,” answered Quebec forward when a reporter asked him what did not work for them, whether they didn’t shoot enough or the other team block shots. It isn’t a bad team on the other side, they know how to play in P.K. (penalty killing).” Completed Remparts forward.
“Yes we were able to answer good part of the challenge,” said Quebec head coach Philippe Boucher. “After two periods we only gave four scoring chances, lots from outside, the first goal, we forgot a guy behind the net. We have to do bit better. The second Callum (Booth) would like to see it back. In third they were better than us, they were more dominant than us in third.”
Quebec will end their three games in four nights weekend hosting Val-d’Or Foreur on Saturday.
Seven other games were on QMJHL schedule on Friday night
Charlottetown 3 vs. Cape Breton 5
Rimouski 5 vs. Halifax 6
Gatineau 2 vs. Moncton 3
Victoriaville 6 vs. Baie-Comeau 5 (overtime)
Sherbrooke 0 vs. Blainville-Boisbriand 3
Chicoutimi 1 vs. Rouyn-Noranda 3
Acadie-Bathurst 4 vs. Shawinigan 5
Contact the author at: serge.poulin@prohockeynews.com
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Quebec first selection in 2016 Andrew Coxhead (20) photo courtesy to Jonathan L’Heureux infosportquebec
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