RAPIDS DEFEAT TIMBERWOLVES 4-2
GRAND FALLS – The Rapids put an end to a three-game losing skid on home ice on Friday night, defeating the Miramichi Timberwolves by a score of 4-2. With Chaleur falling to West Kent, Grand Falls now sits alone atop the Eastlink North division with 28 points.
The Rapids never trailed in this contest and played a solid defensive game. Miramichi was aiming for a third win this season against their divisional rivals, but it wasn’t the case on Friday night at the E.&P. Sénéchal Centre.
The first period, however, went to the visitors’ advantage, especially during the first 10 minutes of play as the Timberwolves had many good scoring opportunities.
Then on their first real good chance of the game, the Rapids went ahead on a goal by Nathan Plamondon-Michaud with a shot from the face-off circle. It was Michaud’s team-leading 12th tally of the season which came at 11:37.
Zackarie Michaud added the Rapids’ second goal in the middle frame following an odd-man rush. It was his 10th goal of the season.
The Timberwolves scored early in the third period on Lorenzo Tita’s 6th of the season at 2:03. But the Rapids replied immediately after (at 3:06) on a goal from Jonah Leard who after intercepting a pass, shot into the top corner of the net for his 9th goal.
Olivier Théberge reduced the margin to one goal once again for Miramichi at 18:32, but Brody Paré added the insurance goal in an empty net with 45 seconds remaining.
The Rapids received only two minor penalties in the game compared to Miramichi’s four.
Adam Lecours was solid between the pipes, earning his 10th victory of the season. His counterpart was Jack Flanagan who also came up with some big saves.
The Rapids will be on the road Saturday night as they play the West Kent Steamers. Puck drop is at 7pm.
EXTRA NOTES …
*Jonah Leard was the Rapids’ leading scorer in the game with 1g 1a
*It was a first game in a Rapids’ uniform for defenseman Nathan Dubreuil who came up in a trade from the Truro Bearcats on Thursday.
*Three stars of the game: 1- Zackarie Michaud (GFR); 2- Adam Lecours (GFR); 3- Jack Flanagan (MIR)
Patrick Thibault
Scoring
| 1st | |||
| 11:37 | GFR | Nathan Plamondon-Michaud (12) ASST: Loic Gallant (7), Loic Francoeur (17) | |
| 2nd | |||
| 12:41 | GFR | Zackarie Michaud (10) ASST: Jonah Leard (17), Patrick Baxter (7) | |
| 3rd | |||
| 2:03 | MIR | Lorenzo Tita (6) ASST: Thatcher Hughes (9), Eliott Robert (12) | |
| 3:06 | GFR | Jonah Leard (9) ASST: None | |
| 18:32 | MIR | Olivier Théberge (5) ASST: Jacob Kaine (14), Alexis Doucet (10) | |
| 19:15 | GFR | Brody Pare (6) ASST: None (EN) |