QUEBEC CITY P.Q. — With two goals and one assist, the former Captain of the Quebec Remparts, Kelsey Tessier played a key role in the Wildcats’ victory in Drummondville.
With the scored tied 2- 2 in the second, the Avalanche fourth round selection in 2008 scored what became the game winning goal.
Moncton scored the last four goals in the game going back home leading 2- 0 in their quarter-final series.
Drummondville came out playing with intensity and several good scoring chances. A key save made by Jake Allen against several Moncton forwards seemed to give confidence to his teammates.
The Voltigeurs didn’t wasted time before taking the first lead in the game.
The line of Christopher DiDominico, Sean Couturier and Gabriel Dumont joined up to give to the Voltigeurs the first goal in the game. A turnover in neutral zone led to a 3 on 2 with DiDominico scoring the goal 40 seconds into the game.
Later, DiDominico missed a clearing pass giving Tessier an opportunity to shoot with his shot deflected off Voltigeurs’ defenseman Andrew Randazzo’s skate before going in the net for first Moncton goal unassisted. Tessier’s goal was scored at 11:17 of the opening period.
With a man advantage, DiDominico made it 2-1 Drummondville with his second of the game, taking a rebound from Jonathan Brunelle’ shot hitting Moncton defenseman David Savard’s pad, before being pick up by the author of second Voltigeurs goal at 15:57.
Moncton tied the score on their second power play opportunity. Tessier, with his second of the game, surprised Allen on his left side with a wrist shot at 13:40.
Moncton took the lead for the first time in the game thanks to great fore-checking by Ted Stephens on Voltigeurs defenseman Remi Blanchard, behind the Drummondville net. Stephens’ backhanded pass to Devon MacAusland led ‘to his fourth goal of the playoff.
Experts predicted a great goaltenders battle between Riopel from Moncton and Allen from Drummondville. Even if the former Montreal Junior goaltender didn’t played his best hockey in the first game for Drummondville, the goaltender, drafted by St. Louis in second round 34th overall in 2008, played much better in this game even though he conceded three goals after two periods on 18 shot. Riopel was beaten two times on 22 shots.
Moncton defenseman Mark Barberio on a power play scored the Wildcats fourth goals in the game. Allen didn’t have any chance, being screened on Barberio’s wrist shot from the blue line.
Scott Brannon completed the scoring for Moncton with Wildcats fifth goal in an empty net at 19:16.
Goaltenders: Moncton Nicola Riopel 29 shots 27 save Drummondville Jake Allen 32 28 saves.
Power plays: Moncton 2-4 Drummondville 1-3
Three stars selections: first MON Kelsey Tessier, second Christopher DiDominico and third DRU Gabriel Dumont
Contact the author at: serge.poulin@prohockeynews.com
