QUEBEC CITY, P.Q. —Winning the first two meetings between the two teams in Shawinigan the Cataractes came in Quebec not playing their best hockey lately showing a record of 4-10 in their last 14 games. Trailing by two, midway in third period the visitors came back scoring two goals in span of 24 seconds to push both teams in overtime, and a goal by Yan Dennis sealed Quebec fate giving Shawinigan 7-6 win in overtime.
efenseman Nikolas Brouillard (15) will certainly be the most demanded defeseman in first rading period photo by Serge Poulin
Quebec open the scoring following defensive turnover. Losing the puck at the hand Quebec left winger Shawinigan defenseman Samuel Girard was unable to do anything as Matthew Boucher beat Catarqctes netminder Antoine Samuel at 4:03.
Shawinigan tied the game on their first power play opportunity. Working behind Quebec net center Anthony Beauviller found teammates Alexis D’Aout beating Quebec goaltender Callum Booth high on left side at 15:29.
Quebec regained the lead two minutes later as great for-checking gave chance to Quebec young forward Mikael Robidoux redirecting Dmytro Timashov behind Cataractes netminder Samuel with 2:09 remaining in the initial period.
Shawinigan tied the game for second times in game. Unable to leave his defensive zone Timashov saw Yann Dennis Anthony Beauvillier found Giovanie Fiore beating Quebec goalie over his left shoulder at 3:28.
The visiting team took the leads for first time in the game on their second power plays in the game. The shot by Nicholas Welsh been deflected by Alec Pawelczyk beating Booth on right side at 5:13.
Quebec first goal scored by Matthew Boucher photo by Serge Poulin
After Shawinigan played their best period in the middle frame Quebec began the third with three goals first two in 19 seconds. Already getting an assist on Quebec first goal Timashov opened the third with two goals first at 6:09 second 19 seconds later at 6:28 taking a 4-3 lead.
Bronson Beaton gave Quebec a two goals leads scoring a third goals in 3:24 seconds.
Trailing by two 5-3 Shawinigan replied with two goals in 24 seconds. D’Aout with his second of the game beat Quebec netminder with backhanded shot at 12:41. Mathieu Olivier brought both teams back at square one with his eighth of the regular season at 13:05.
Quebec regained the lead 6-5 3:04 later with Charley Graaskamp backhand shot scoring his ninth goals in 20 games since his arrival with the team from the OHL after having went through the waver.
Quebec goaltender Callum Booth back in net after missing one month following an ampendicetomy photo by Serge Poulin
A penalty for delay of game taken by Quebec defenseman Aaron Dutra proved to be costly for Philippe Boucher’s team. Being perfect with man advantage two-in-two Shawinigan did not missed that opportunity served on silver plateau. Anthony Beauvillier scored Cataractes sixth goals with 2:19 remaining in third period pushing both teams to play overtime.
In overtime playing exciting three-on-three hockey both teams gets excellent opportunities to end it in their favor but again a penalty for too many men on the ice gave a four-on-three power play to Shawinigan. Been near goalie crease Dennis Yan redirect the shot from Beauvillier over Booth left shoulder giving Shawinigan the victory.
“It was a special game for us, I would say we have had little slump latterly and I think we showed lots of character.” Shawinigan center Anthony Beauvillier.
“Our goal is to play sixty minutes of play and today we played only fifty and it cost us, so it really proved to us that we still have things to work on but in same times you can’t find better way to bring us back on right track.
Shawinigan defenseman Louis-Philip Fortin got an assist in the game photo by Serge Poulin
Shawinigan called their timeout after Quebec began the third period getting the edge in the play. “Head coach Martin Bernard told us to stay calm and we did lived same situation in the past and show our character.” Continued the one who has been New-York Islander first round selection in 2015 28th overall.
“We were happy about the result because what was the most important thing was our team mental state. We stayed positive on the bench. You broke the momentum when you gave two goals in span of 19 seconds, but the team kept their focus we continued to do things and believe. We did that in the beginning of the year, we did it in the past, we did it in the past we can do it again,” said Shawinigan head coach Martin Bernard after the game.
“I don’t know who said that you can’t have great hockey in QMJHL, because tonight it has been a hell of a show but it didn’t turn on the side we would like. We played great hockey in first we took the lead, in second it has been tough but Timashov gave us the momentum with two goals proving to us why he is possibly one of the best forward in the league with Beauvillier on the other side. This has been said, we have had the lead, we would like to keep it but penalties cost us.” Admitted Quebec head coach Philippe Boucher.
“Guys will have to be more receptive,” answered Quebec head coach Boucher as hi team worked on their defensive during practice over last week. “They will have to be more receptive to what we asked them to do it wasn’t complicated. We have things to do but it will be time to use other players on our penalty killing. Allowing four-in-four it’s unacceptable.” Remparts head coach Boucher said.
Quebec will be back in action on Saturday hosting Blainville-Boisbriand
Seven other games were on QMJHL schedule on Friday
Val-d’Or 7 vs. Acadie-Bathurst 5
Rouyn-Noranda 5 vs. Halifax 2
Moncton 4 vs. Saint John 3
Victoriaville 4 vs. Chicoutimi 5 (shootout)
Cape Breton 2 vs. Sherbrooke 1
Gatineau 6 vs. Drummondville 0
Blainville-Boisbriand 2 vs. Rimouski 3
Contact the author at: serge.poulin@prohockeynews.com
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