QUEBEC CITY , P.Q. — In a game where Quebec led by two after the first twenty minutes, Shawinigan had the last word in the game. Inspired by young 16-year-old netminder who made 19 saves in as many shots, the home team scored five unanswered goal leading Eric Veilleux’s team to their first victory in that series.
The fans who decided to attend the game rather than sit at home and watch the federal Election debate on TV fans were delighted on leaving the arena after seeing the home town club win their first game in the series.
Smelling the urgency of the situation, the Cataractes came out much better than the first two games, but saw their opponent come out of the opening period leading 3-1.
After killing first penalty of the game to Quebec defenseman Martin Lefebvre, the Remparts opened the scoring for a seventh consecutive time since the playoffs began. Forgotten near Shawinigan goaltender, Olivier Hinse put the puck behind Gabriel Girard at 6:32.
Shawinigan tied the score 1-1, 1:17 seconds later when Michael Bournival took his own rebound beating Quebec goaltender Louis Domingue.
A penalty to Shawinigan left winger Peter Sakaris gave an excellent opportunity to the best power play in the league to break the tie.
Quebec didn’t waste the opportunity regaining the lead 2-1, 4:06 later on a shot that left no chance to Cataractes netminder. Frederick Roy found John Audy-Marchessault with a précise pass beating Girard with a one-timer at 11:55.
Quebec added a third goal before the end of first period when Tomas Filippi beat Girard on a shot Shawinigan netminder would certainly like to see it back. Filippi’s goal came at 14:02.
After seeing his goaltender beaten three times on nine shots, Shawinigan head coach Veilleux pulled his starting netminder sending young Alex Dubeau for second time in three games.
Unable to score with two power plays in the second period, Shawinigan should thank their young netminder, who saved all 15 Quebec shots in the middle frame, preventing Quebec, from padding its lead. Dubeau even stopped Roy on a breakaway during a shorthanded situation. Quebec led in the shots on goal department 25-19 after forty minutes of play.
The second period performance by Dubeau seemed to inspire his teammates who came out with two goals tying the score 3-3 with 15:32 to go in third period.
Maximilien LeSieur beat Quebec netminder between his pads 34 seconds into the period following a great play by teammate Yannick Veilleux behind the net reducing Quebec lead to only one goal.
David Labrecque beat Domingue on his left side bringing both teams back to square one with the score being 3-3 at 4:28.
Shawinigan took the lead for first time in the game, and in the series 4-3, when Mathieu Gagnon’s wrist shot found a tiny hole on Domingue right side. Shawinigan scored four goals on 9 shots in third period. Shawinigan fourth goal came at 10:29.
Unable to keep the rebound under control, the Quebec goalie saw Loik Poudier jump on loose puck beating him for Shawinigan’s fifth goal, signaling the end of night of work for Quebec goaltender.
Seeing his starting goaltender being beaten five times on 29 shots, Patrick Roy decided to imitate Cataractes head coach Veilleux and pulled his starting netminder and sending Jimmy Appleby.
Peter Sakaris welcomed Quebec goalie in the series by redirecting a pass from Labrecque behind the backup netminder for Shawinigan sixth goals of the game sealing Quebec fate in game number three.
Labrecque (David) earned the first star of the game ending his night with three points (1g-2a). Alex Dubeau earned the second star, stopping all 19 Quebec shots since coming in the game in replacement of Gabriel Girard. Michael Bournival ended with the third star with two points (1g-1a).
Same two teams will be back on the ice at Bionest Center for game four tonight.
Other Quarter-Final series in the QMJHL
Saint John 6 vs. Victoriaville 3 ( Saint John leads series 2-1 over Victoriaville)
Montreal 1 vs. Lewiston 2 ( Lewiston leads series 2-1 over Montreal)
Drummondville 1 vs. Gatineau 4 ( Drummondville leads series 2-1 over Drummondville)
Contact the author at: serge.poulin@prohockeynews.com
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