GRAND FALLS – The visiting Yarmouth Mariners took a two-goal lead after two periods of play, earning a 4-1 victory Friday night over the Grand Falls Rapids at the E.&P. Sénéchal Centre.
It was a 4th consecutive loss for the Rapids who are now 5 points behind the Campbellton Tigers for 5th spot in the Eastlink North division. Both teams have only three games left on their regular season schedule.
It was a fast-moving first period as both teams had their legs going early on. The Mariners held a slight lead in shots on goal, 14 to 12.
Yarmouth was the only team to score in the period, which came at 15:54 when Fabrice Bourgeois’ shot was tipped in front by Jérôme Nadeau.
The Rapids had a late power play opportunity but could not cash in.
The Mariners added to their lead at the 12-minute mark of the second period. On a cross-ice pass from Jared Pitnam in front of the net, Nathan Carter sent a one-timer to the back of the net for his 19th tally of the season.
The Rapids sent 13 shots on Mariners’ netminder Thomas Fontaine in the second period.
The Rapids got on the board on a power play at 2:19 of the third period. Jérémy Boulanger slightly missed his shot from the faceoff circle, but the puck was tipped in front by Jonah Leard who scored his 14th goal of the season.
However, the Mariners replied less than two minutes later, also with the man advantage, on Keefe Marshall’s wrist shot from the point.
Marshall would add an empty net goal at 18:24 to give the Mariners the victory.
Adam Lecours was making a return in goal for the Rapids after missing the two games the previous weekend. He made 34 saves while his counterpart, Thomas Fontaine, blocked 34 shots to register the win.
The Rapids will play their next game once again on home ice as they host Sunday afternoon the Valley Wildcats. Puck drop is at 3pm at the E.&P. Sénéchal Centre.
GAME NOTES:
*Keefe Marshall finished the game with 2g 1a for the Mariners. Michael Marquez also contributed with a pair of assists.
*Yarmouth scored 1 power play goal on only 1 PP opportunity.
The Rapids scored once in 6 tries with the man advantage.
*Game attendance: 827
*Three stars of the game: 1- Michael Marquez (YAR) 2- Thomas Fontaine (YAR); Raphaël Denis (GFR)
Patrick Thibault
Scoring
1st
15:54 YAR Jerome Nadeau (17) ASST: Fabrice Bourgeois (7), Cole McKeigan (13)
2nd
12:08 YAR Nathan Carter (19) ASST: Jared Pitman (16), Keefe Marshall (22)
3rd
2:19 GFR Jonah Leard (14) ASST: Jeremy Boulanger (32), Raphael Denis (19) (PP)
4:10 YAR Keefe Marshall (15) ASST: Michael Marquez (12), Nick Dyson (18) (PP)
18:24 YAR Keefe Marshall (16) ASST: Michael Marquez (21) (EN)