GRAND FALLS – The Rapids played on Sunday afternoon their best game of the season thus far, defeating the Campbellton Tigers by a score of 6-2 at the E.&P. Sénéchal Centre.
Not only did Grand Falls score its highest total of goals in five games, it was also a very productive showing on special teams as the Rapids scored three times on three power play opportunities, ending an 0 for 9 drought. They also added a shorthanded tally, their league leading 3rd SH goal this season.
Dominic Leblanc was the offensive star of the game, scoring twice while picking up three assists for a 5-point game. Linemate Jeremy Boulanger scored twice while Ethan Johnson and Tristan Sanchez completed the scoring.
The LeBlanc-Boulanger-Johnson line had a total of 10 points in the game (5g 5a).
The Rapids took control of the game in the opening period, scoring three times. Jeremy Boulanger’s quick release at the 6-minute mark fooled Tigers’ netminder Xavier Farrah, giving the home team the lead. Then at 14:21, Tristan Sanchez was able to get the puck between the post and the goalie’s pad, giving the Rapids a 2-0 lead while they were playing shorthanded.
Boulanger would add his second goal of the game at 16:01 on a backhand shot that went between the legs of Farrah. It was a power play tally for the Rapids who led 3-0 after twenty minutes of play.
The Tigers were intent of getting back into the game as they started the middle frame. Without only 13 seconds played, Kiefer Lyons (on the power play) scored on a breakaway to cut the Rapids’ lead to two goals.
However, Grand Falls would answer back quickly. Ethan Johnson (his 2nd of the season) also scored on a breakaway at 2:26. Then at 9:58, Dominic LeBlanc scored his first of the game while his team was playing with the man advantage.
After two periods of play, the Rapids held a 5-1 lead.
LeBlanc would score his second of the game and his 7th of the season at 5:11 of the third period, once again with the man advantage. Note that both of his goals were scored on a one-timer.
Jack Brown would complete the scoring for Campbellton seconds later.
The Rapids outshot their opponents 28 to 26, avenging their loss suffered during their home opener against the Tigers (7-4).
Adam Lecours, who was solid in net for the Rapids, made a total of 24 saves while earning his first win of the season.
Greg Leland’s squad will now play its next four games on the road, including two next weekend in Nova Scotia.
GAME NOTES:
*Dominic LeBlanc has now become the Rapids’ all-time leading scorer. In five games this season, he scored 7 times while adding 3 assists for 10 points.
*The Rapids went 3 for 3 on the power play while Campbellton scored once in 6 tries.
*Game attendance: 787
*Three stars of the game: 1- Dominic LeBlanc (GFR); 2- Adam Lecours (GFR); 3- Jules Delepoulle (GFR)
Patrick Thibault
Scoring
| 1st | |||
| 6:06 | GFR | Jeremy Boulanger (2) ASST: Dominic LeBlanc (1), Jules Delepoulle (2) (PP) | |
| 14:21 | GFR | Tristan Sanchez (1) ASST: Cole MacWilliam (2) (SH) | |
| 16:01 | GFR | Jeremy Boulanger (3) ASST: Dominic LeBlanc (2), Jules Delepoulle (3) | |
| 2nd | |||
| 0:13 | CAM | Kiefer Lyons (6) ASST: Justin David (8), Tyler Pazin (3) (PP) | |
| 2:26 | GFR | Ethan Johnson (2) ASST: Raphael Denis (1), Dominic LeBlanc (3) | |
| 9:58 | GFR | Dominic LeBlanc (6) ASST: Ethan Johnson (4), Jules Delepoulle (4) (PP) | |
| 3rd | |||
| 5:11 | GFR | Dominic LeBlanc (7) ASST: Ethan Johnson (5) (PP) | |
| 5:32 | CAM | Jack Brown (1) ASST: Nick Dyson (6), Bates Ling (3) |
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