RAPIDS DEFEAT CHALEUR 4-2
BATHURST – The Rapids scored four unanswered goals in the first 27 minutes of play of the contest, holding on to a 4-2 victory Saturday night in Bathurst against the Eastlink North division leading Chaleur Lightning. It was a second victory in as many nights for Grand Falls and a 5th this season in 7 games played against the Lightning.
Patrick Baxter scored twice for the Rapids, his 14th and 15th goals of the campaign.
Baxter led the charge in the opening period, scoring after only 42 seconds of play. His tip in front of the net came on a shot from the point from defenseman Isaac Allard.
Then Tristan Richard, with a rebound in front of the crease, added a second goal for Greg Leland’s squad at 4:25.
The Rapids held a 12 to 11 advantage in shots on goal through twenty minutes.
Momentum carried into the second period for the Rapids as they added two more goals during the first 7 minutes of the frame.
While on the power play, Nathan Plamondon-Michaud took advantage of a faceoff win in Chaleur territory to get the puck past netminder Jack Flanagan at 2:18. Patrick Baxter followed with his second tally of the night at 7:06 following a nifty move in front of the net, taking his own rebound to bring the score to 4-0.
The Lightning scored their first goal at 13:36 of the second period with the 34th of the season from Ben Cross. A costly penalty following the goal helped the Lightning cut the lead to two goals on Easton Adrian’s unassisted tally at 14:52.
Despite being shorthanded during a large portion of the third period, including once on a 5 on 3-man disadvantage, the Rapids held on for the victory by allowing only 5 shots on goal to Chaleur. Goaltender Adam Lecours made some key saves to preserve the win, earning his 19th victory of the season. Chaleur sent a total of 29 shots on goal compared to 25 for Grand Falls.
It was thus a very productive weekend for the Rapids who improved their season record to 23-15-6 for 52 points. They are currently tied for 3rd spot in the Eastlink North division with the Edmundston Blizzard.
The Rapids will return to action next Friday night as they visit the Campbellton Tigers (7pm).
ADITIONNAL NOTES
*Patrick Baxter (2g) and Nathan Dubreuil (2a) both finished the game with 2 points each for the Rapids.
*Grand Falls went 1 for 5 on the power play while Chaleur scored once on 7 PP opportunities.
*Three stars of the game: 1- Patrick Baxter (GFR); 2- Easton Adrian (CHA); 3- Nathan Dubreuil (GFR)
Patrick Thibault
Scoring
| 1st | |||
| 0:42 | GFR | Patrick Baxter (14) ASST: Isaac Allard (16), Loic Francoeur (30) | |
| 4:25 | GFR | Tristan Richard (4) ASST: Nathan Dubreuil (4), Shane Delamaire (1) | |
| 2nd | |||
| 2:18 | GFR | Nathan Plamondon-Michaud (21) ASST: Jonah Leard (35) (PP) | |
| 7:06 | GFR | Patrick Baxter (15) ASST: Nathan Dubreuil (5) | |
| 13:36 | CHA | Ben Cross (34) ASST: Zachary Rushton (29), Jack Hayne (32) | |
| 14:52 | CHA | Easton Adrian (7) ASST: None (PP) | |
| 3rd | |||
| No Scoring | |||