Shawinigan wins in OT over Quebec

QUEBEC CITY, P.Q. — Winning four out of first five meeting between the two teams Shawinigan needed overtime before sealing a 3-2 win over the Quebec Remparts in the last confrontation between the two teams. Brandon Gignac scored game winning goal only 46 seconds into overtime.

Shawinigan drew first blood in the game on a shot the Quebec netminder Evgeny Kiselev would certainly like to get another chance on. The long shot from Cataractes defenseman Samuel Girard has been redirect by Dennis Yan scoring his 38th of the season at 7:17 of the opening period.

The Cataractes came back 7:18 later with their second goal of the period.

Unable to get out of their own defensive zone, Shawinigan center Cameron Askew made perfect pass to Dennis Yan who beat Quebec goaltender Kiselev over his left shoulder. For left winger it was his 39th of the regular season.

While Quebec was unable to take advantage of their unique power play in the opening period with 8:05 to play, Shawinigan got several scoring chances on their first chance with man up getting their first power play opportunity with 1:53 remaining.

Shawinigan dominated 14-5 in shots on goal in first period.

Playing five-on-four to end the first period, Shawinigan began the second frame with only seven seconds with a man up without been able to add to their lead. Visitors got some scoring chances in middle frame but on each occasions Cataractes netminder Mkhail Denisov closed the door keeping Quebec out of scoreboard.

Quebec got their second power play chance with 6:36 remaining in the second period following a penalty to Shawinigan Nicholas Welsh. As it was the case for the rest of second period Denisov made the saves.

Trailing by two Quebec scored first goal cutting Shawinigan lead to one goal as Michael Robidoux redirect a shot from defenseman Samuel Hould on the point. With 15:08 to go in the third period.

Trying to kill a penalty to teammate Samuel Hould Quebec tied the game 2-2 scoring in shorthanded situation.

Losing the puck at Quebec blue line Nicholas Welsh can’t do anything as Quebec new captain in absence of Matthew Boucher who will be out for the year, Olivier Garneau went on breakaway to beat Shawinigan netminder with a wrist shot at 10:08.

Overtime period only last 46 seconds before Brandon Gignac gave Shawinigan a 3-2 wins as Cataractes center beat Kiselev over his left shoulder. Shawinigan dominated 47-18 in shots on goal.

Quebec will be back home for three games in four night home stretch beginning with next Wednesday hosting Baie-Comeau Drakkar.

Three other games were on QMJHL schedule on Sunday

Blainville-Boisbriand 2 vs. Sherbrooke 1 (shootout)

Saint John 4 vs. Baie-Comeau 1

Gatineau 6 vs. Victoriaville 5 (overtime)

Contact the author at: serge.poulin@prohockeynews.com