Sherbrooke came from behind registering victory over Quebec

QUEBEC CITY, P.Q. —Trailing by two after forty minutes of play, with Quebec showing a record of 14-0 after leading after two periods of play, Sherbrooke took advantage of visitors undisciplined play, scoring four goals in third period in span of 2:31. Three of the four goals came with the help of power play as first two came in 25 seconds leading Sherbrooke to 6-4 win against Quebec. Evan MacKinnon and Marek Zachar were the best offensively ending with two goals each.

Quebec broke the ice in Sherbrooke on great forecheking in the offensive zone by Quebec center Philipp Kurashev. Getting the puck in corner Kurashev made great pass to Dereck Gentile scoring his 14th of the season 1:42 into the opening period.

Dominating 10-3 in shots on goal, Sherbrooke replied with two goals in 18 seconds at the end of first period. Evan MacKinnon cut Quebec lead in half with first Phoenix goal on power play, as Sherbrooke left winger, has been the beneficiary of a rebound, following first shot blocked, by Quebec netminder Derek Baribeau.

Unable to hold the rebound MacKinnon’s shot beat Quebec goaltender at 19:28. 18 seconds later the home team took the lead for the first time with Marek Zachar 14th of the year at 19:46.

As it was the case lately the second period was the best one for Quebec. As Phoenix donated the first period on shots on goal and most importantly on main scoreboard leading 2-1 after first twenty minutes, Quebec came out strong and scored three times to turns thing over and leading 4-2 after two periods of play.

Getting their first chance on the power play Quebec scored their second goal in the game. With Sherbrooke defenseman Vincent Lampron in the penalty box, Quebec left winger Olivier Garneau scored his third goals in last two games in same circumstances. Making pass to Garneau in slot, teammate Olivier Mathieu saw Garneau from the slot beating Sherbrooke goaltender Evan Fitzpatrick on his right side with a backhanded shot at 4:41.

Quebec took the lead for the second times in the game. As the shot from the blue line by Quebec defenseman Andrew Pico deflected in front of the net, Jesse Sutton only had to push the puck behind Phoenix goaltender for Quebec third goal at 9:56.

Quebec came back less than two minutes later scoring a third goals in the second period with Andrew Coxhead 4th of the year. Quebec first round selection (14th overall) in 2016 beat Sherbrooke netminder low on his right side at 11:26.

Trailing by two after forty minutes of play Sherbrooke didn’t said their last word on the issue of the game. Taking advantage of Quebec undisciplined Sherbrooke replied with four goals scored in span of 2:31, three of the four goals came on power plays and first two goals scored in third came in 25 seconds.

All began with Sherbrooke five-on-three power play for 1:11 following consecutive penalties to Quebec forwards Jesse Sutton and Mikael Robidoux. Phoenix defenseman Thomas Gregoire scored Sherbrooke third goals as his slapshot left no chance to Quebec netminder Baribeau. Gregoire goals came at 7:11.

Sherbrooke’s tying goal came 25 seconds later as the team still played on power play, a five-on-four as Felix Robert scored his 8th of the regular season. Making first save with his blocker on Phoenix defenseman Yann-Felix Lapointe shot from the blue line, Felix Robert beat Quebec goalie at 7:26 for the second times in last 25 seconds.

Already registered Sherbrooke first goal, Evan MacKinnon came back in the third also with his second of the game, this time beating Baribeauon his right side at 8:57.

Marek Zachar also scored his second of the game as his wrist shot beat Quebec netminder under his right arm for Sherbrooke 6th goals in the game at 9:42 also on power play.

Quebec last two games before Christmas break will be on next Thursday and Friday. On Thursday Quebec will visit Val-d’Or, and will be in Rouyn-Noranda on Friday.

Eight other games were on QMJHL on Saturday

Shawinigan 0 vs. Baie-Comeau 6

Blainville-Boisbriand 4 vs. Chicoutimi 6

Victoriaville 2 vs. Rimouski 3 (overtime)

Saint John 2 vs. Acadie-Bathurst 5

Drummondville 3 vs. Cape Breton 2 (overtime)

Gatineau 3 vs. Charlottetown 1

Halifax 2 vs. Rouyn-Noranda 7

Moncton 5 vs. Val-d’Or 1

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