EDMUNDSTON – For forty minutes of play on Friday night, the Rapids were the better team against the Eastlink division champions. However, three third period goals were enough to give the Edmundston Blizzard a 3-1 victory in front of 2595 spectators at the Jean-Daigle Centre.
Despite missing key players due to injuries, the Rapids played a solid game and held the league’s best offense scoreless for a total of 44:30. Goaltender Frédéric Plourde, who received second star honors, had a strong game between the pipes, making 41 saves.
Greg Leland’s squad was ready to matchup against their Northwestern rivals who had won its previous 13 games on the schedule. After a scoreless first period, it seemed as though the Rapids had the advantage in many facets of the game.
The Rapids finally cashed in on their second power play opportunity of the night. From the face off circle, Dominc LeBlanc sent a pass in front of the Blizzard net to Mathis Huot who scored his 12th of the season, giving Grand Falls a 1-0 lead at the 4-minute mark of the second period. Yannic Bastarache also earned an assist on the Rapids’ 50th power play goal of the season.
Frédéric Plourde had to make some key saves, keeping his team in the lead, as the Blizzard outshot their opponents 18 to 9 in the middle frame.
Edmundston tied the game at 4:30 of the third period on a tough angle shot from Olivier Coulombe who scored his 51st goal of the season. Coming to the side of the net, Coulombe’s shot found the top corner of the net despite Plourde’s attempt to cut down the angle.
That goal woke up the Blizzard who applied lots of pressure on the Rapids’ defense afterwards.
Grand Falls took only one minor penalty in the entire game but did pay the price as the Blizzard took the lead on a power play tally at the mid way point point of the third period. Jérémy Duguay scored on a one-timer at 10:09, giving Edmundston a 2-1 lead.
Jérémy Fortin would add an empty net goal at 19:38 to secure the Blizzard’s 14th straight victory and their 38th of the season.
The final tally in shots on goal was 43 to 26 in favor of the Blizzard. Thomas Boucher picked up the win in net.
The Rapids will return to action on Saturday night as they travel to Miramichi to play the Timberwolves. Puck drop is at 7 pm.
Patrick Thibault
GAME NOTES:
*Ethan Johnson and Kobe Burt, both injured on Wednesday night against the Truro Bearcats, were not in the lineup on Friday night. Many affiliated players suited up for Grand Falls, including: Noah Breau, Marco Leblanc, Logan Mallaley and as listed, Alexandre Michaud.
*Two Blizzard players finished the game with 2 points: Olivier Coulombe (1g 1a) and Alex Arsenault (2a)
*The Blizzard scored on their lone PP opportunity of the night while the Rapids went 1 for 3 with the man advantage.
*Game attendance: 2595 spectators
*Three stars of the game: Alex Arsenault (EDM); Frédéric Plourde (GFR); Jérémy Duguay (EDM)
Scoring
1st
No Scoring
2nd
4:07 GFR Mathis Huot (12) ASST: Dominic LeBlanc (25), Yannic Bastarache (44) (PP)
3rd
4:30 EDM Olivier Coulombe (51) ASST: Alex Arsenault (52)
10:09 EDM Jeremy Duguay (22) ASST: Tristan Fortin (27), Alex Arsenault (53) (PP)
19:38 EDM Jérémy Fortin (9) ASST: Olivier Coulombe (28) (EN)
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