GRAND FALLS – Despite coming from behind from a two-goal deficit in the first period, the Rapids fell in the shootout frame on Sunday afternoon in Grand Falls, dropping a 3-2 decision to the Fredericton Red Wings.
With 1 point gained in the standings, the Rapids are currently tied with the Red Wings for 5th spot in the EastLink North standings, each team having 12 points on the season.
Zachary Rushton was the only player to score in the shootout session as the Rapids went scoreless in four tries. It was also the fourth shootout loss for Grand Falls this season.
Fredericton jumped to a 2-0 lead in the first period. Matt McRae got the visitors on the board at 12:43 on a one-timer from the slot. Then at 15:38, Ryan Hopkins walked alone infront of the net, sending a backhand shot past Rapids’ netminder Adam Lecours.
The Rapids would however cut the lead to one goal late in the frame when Brody Pare received a pass in front of the net from Brayden Campbell, scoring his 3rd of the season at 17:39.
Matthew Ferdinand tied the game for Grand Falls at 6:46 of the middle frame following a face off win in Red Wings’ territory. Ferdinand’s shot from a tough angle beat goaltender Zachary Bridgeo, bringing the score to 2-2.
No goals were scored in the third period as both teams played a much tighter game.
The Rapids had the best chances to score in overtime, sending 5 shots on net in comparison to only 1 for Fredericton.
The final tally in the shots on goal department was 42 to 36 in favour of the Rapids who were playing without defenseman Will Morrison who must serve a 3-game suspension following Friday night’s contest against Summerside.
Sunday afternoon’s game put an end to an 8-game homestand for the Rapids as they will be inactive next weekend. They will return to the ice on November 15th when they clash with the Blizzard at the Jean-Daigle Centre in Edmundston.
*3 STARS OF THE GAME:
1- Jeremy D’Astous (GFR); 2- Owen MacPherson (FRW); 3- Ethan Kane (GFR)
Patrick Thibault
Scoring
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1st |
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12:43 |
FRW |
Matt McRae (9) ASST: Owen MacPherson (8) |
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15:38 |
FRW |
Ryan Hopkins (4) ASST: Owen MacPherson (9), Matt McRae (10) |
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17:39 |
GFR |
Brody Pare (3) ASST: Dawson Grandy (3), Brayden Campbell (4) |
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2nd |
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6:46 |
GFR |
Matthew Ferdinand (2) ASST: Ty Hunter (2) |
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3rd |
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No Scoring |
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1st OT |
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No Scoring |
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