QUEBEC CITY, P.Q. —Knowing the importance of the game and the urgency to get their first win in the tournament, Saint John entered the game needing to play their best hockey.
Playing nervous at the beginning, the Sea Dogs gained confidence as the game progressed, to finally get their first win by the score of 5-2 against the Edmonton Oil Kings.
Zack Phillips with two goals (first and fourth in the game), took charge of the Saint John offense leading the defending Memorial Cup champion to their first win in the tournament.
Saint John got on the board first from an almost impossible angle. Sea Dogs center Phillips came inside the hash mark letting a shot go, that beat Edmonton goalie, Laurent Brossoit short side 4:23 into the opening period.
Edmonton showed some push back tying the score on first power play attempt 3:20 later. A penalty to Saint John Devon Olivier-Dares for tripping (5:37) gave an excellent opportunity to Derek Lextal’s team to tie the game. The shot by Oil Kings captain Mark Pysyk from the point went through traffic before being deflected by Kristians Pelss on doorsteps at 7:03.
Playing a good first period, fans expected a more physical game between these two teams, especially considering the urgency of the situation Saint John is in after last night first victory by QMJHL team Shawinigan. Instead, game looks like more Ice Capade just seeing checks here and there, instead of seeing team play more physical.
Saint John regained the lead 4:42 into second period on a set up play. Taking advantage of turnover at blue line, Sea Dogs captain Jonathan Huberdeau complete great play by Charles Coyle giving a 2-1 lead to the QMJHL champion.
Saint John received an incredible opportunity to extend their lead on a four-on-three power play following a too-many men on the ice penalty to Edmonton. An opportunity Sea Dogs didn’t miss. Danick Gauthier tipped in a shot previously taken by Charles Coyle at 15:53 giving QMJHL team a 3-1.
Edmonton came back 1:03 later when Stephen Legeault put the puck in to bring back Western Hockey League representative to trail only by one.
Trailing by one entering the third period, Edmonton, need to put more pressure in offensive zone hoping to tie the game. As the third period progress the Oil Kings takes the bull by the horn but the Sea Dogs netminder stand the heat and was able to prevent their opponent to get the third goal.
Thanks to Corbeil who made key saves when that count Saint John came in Oil Kings zone working the puck down low Tomas Jurco found Phillips open in the slot barring the shot behind Edmonton goalie extending their lead to 4-2 lead. And with 5.6 seconds left on the clock Ryan Tesink put the final nail in Edmonton coffin with Sea Dogs fifth goal to seal their first win of the 2011-12 Memorial Cup tournaments.
Next game will be tonight between the London Knights and the Edmonton Oil Kings.
Contact the author at: serge.poulin@prohockeynews.com
