SUMMERSIDE (PEI) – The Rapids lost their second consecutive game on Thursday night, dropping a 5-1 decision to the Summerside Western Capitals.
Marc Richard led the way offensively for Summerside with 2 goals. Ed McNeill, Sam Campbell and Harrison James completed the scoring.
Evan Bellamy was the Rapids’ goal scorer, a power play tally coming in the second period.
The Western Capitals led 1-0 after twenty minutes of play and 4-1 after two periods. They outshot the Rapids in this contest, 30 to 27. Grand Falls sent 9 shots on goal in each period.
For the Rapids, it was a 4th loss in 12 games on the road.
Ed McNeill got things going for the home team at 8:24 of the opening period while Summerside was playing with the man advantage. It was a 10th goal this season for McNeill.
The Western Capitals sent 13 shots on Rapids netminder Frédéric Plourde in the first period.
Marc Richard scored his first goal of the game for Summerside at 8:26 of the middle frame following a turnover in Rapids’ territory. After Frédéric Plourde made a couple of great saves to keep the puck out of the net, Richard finally scored on a rebound to give his team a 2-0 lead.
The Rapids were able to cut the margin to 2-1 at 11:44 on a power play goal by defenseman Evan Bellamy. His slap shot from the blue line beat Summerside goalkeeper Chad Arseneault on the glove side. It was Bellamy’s 4th goal of the season and his 2nd with the man advantage.
The Western Capitals replied quickly however as they regained a two-goal cushion at 12:40. Marc Richard scored on a one-timer, his second goal of the game and his 19th of the season.
Sam Campbell added Summerside’s 4th goal at 15:55 as the Rapids were behind by three goals through two periods of play.
Only one goal was scored in the third period, which came before the two-minute mark. Harrison James received a pass from Max Chisholm from behind the net, scoring his 2nd goal of the season and putting the Western Capitals ahead 5-1.
The victory enabled Summerside to take full possession of third place in the Eastlink North division standings, 2-points ahead of the Rapids. Grand Falls’ season record now stands at 14 wins and 10 losses for 28 points.
The Rapids will play their next game on Saturday night in Edmundston as they clash with the Blizzard, winners of their last 10 games. Puck drop is at 7:30 pm at the Jean-Daigle Centre.
Patrick Thibault
GAME NOTES:
*Marc Richard was Summerside’s leading scorer on Thursday night with 2 goals and 1 assist. Ed McNeill (1g 1a), William Irvine and Will Proud (2 assists each) also contributed offensively for the Western Capitals.
Mathis Huot and Ben Diamond both assisted on Evan Bellamy’s power play goal in the middle frame.
*Summerside scored 2 power play goals in 2 PP opportunities. Grand Falls scored one power play goal on 3 occcasions with the man advantage.
*Game attendance: 789 spectators
*Three stars of the game: 1- Marc Richard (SWC); 2- Ed McNeill (SWC); 3- William Irvine (SWC)
Scoring
1st
8:24 SWC Ed McNeill (10) ASST: William Irvine (6), Marc Richard (11) (PP)
2nd
8:26 SWC Marc Richard (18) ASST: Landon Clow (11), Will Proud (8)
11:44 GFR Evan Bellamy (4) ASST: Mathis Huot (12), Ben Diamond (13) (PP)
12:40 SWC Marc Richard (19) ASST: Ed McNeill (27), William Irvine (7) (PP)
15:55 SWC Sam Campbell (3) ASST: JD Shoniker (2), Will Proud (9)
3rd
1:14 SWC Harrison James (2) ASST: Max Chisholm (7), Riley MacDougall (7)