The Rapids gained two points in the standings last weekend, both games played on the road against tough opponents from the Eastlink North division.
On both occasions, they sent the game into extra time. On Friday night in Edmundston, the Rapids were ahead by two goals before the Blizzard stormed back to tie the game in the final twenty minutes of play, finally winning in overtime. Then on Sunday afternoon in Miramichi, the Timberwolves held a 4-0 lead before the Rapids came back in impressive fashion to tie the score before losing for a 5th time this season in the shootout frame.
There are two ways to look at these results, both in a positive and negative way. Of course, the Rapids have shown that they can compete against any team in the league and battle until the very end. Despite not having their top scorer on the lineup on Sunday, the Rapids were able to mount a great comeback… once again… and gave themselves a chance to gain two points in the standings when the game appeared out of hand at one point.
The bad news is how things unfolded on Friday night and how it came close to repeating itself on Sunday. In both games, the Rapids started the overtime frame playing shorthanded. They were penalized with only 1 second remaining in regulation time against the Blizzard, and it also occurred against Miramichi with 3 seconds left in the third period.
They were lucky to get out of it on Sunday but not so on Friday as the Blizzard took advantage pf a 4 on 3 power play to win the game.
Two things need to be learned from this which is called Awareness and Discipline. Players need to be aware of the time left on the clock in trying to avoid putting their team in a bad situation at the end of a game. Consequences will ensue more often than not if players are not aware of the situation.
Discipline is the key, and this element of the game has come to bite the Rapids more than once this season. When a big goal is scored and momentum seems to shift in their favor, there is always that bad penalty that leaves them to defend themselves instead of attacking their opponents’ vulnerabilities. This may have left some points off the standings this season and could have eventually made adifference between a 13-point deficit for a playoff spot and a team that is currently in playoff contention.
There is however another bright spot we must look at following the weekend games: the performance of goaltender Loic Nadeau who was outstanding in both games. Against the Blizzard on Friday night, Nadeau faced a total of 51 shots and kept his team in the lead as long as he could.
We also hope that the extent of the injury to Jeremy d’Astous is not too serious and that he will be able to be back on the ice soon. Despite his absence, the Rapids were able to play a good game offensively on Sunday against the Timberwolves.
The Rapids close off the 2024 year by playing twice: on Wednesday night they travel to Campbellton for a 7pm matchup with the Tigers and on Friday night, they meet the Amherst Ramblers for a 7pm start at the E.&P. Sénéchal Centre.
Patrick Thibault
TEAM NEWS AND STATS
*Note that the game against the Campbellton Tigers that was cancelled last week due to bad weather conditions has been rescheduled for Sunday February 9 at 3pm in Grand Falls.
*The Rapids’ record after 28 games is 7 wins, 15 losses, 1 overtime defeat and 5 shootout losses for 20 points.
They remain in 5th position in the Eastlink North division standings with 4 points ahead of the Fredericton Red Wings. Grand Falls is however 13 points back of Miramichi for 4thspot.
*The Rapids have a road record of 4-8-2 this season for 10 points. At home, their record is 3-7-4, also for a total of 10 points.
*The Rapids power play efficiency is currently at 19.6% which is ranked 9th in the league.
Their penalty kill is at 82.1% which is third best in the Eastlink North division and ranked 6th in the league.
*Jeremy D’Astous continues to lead the team in scoring with 11 goals and 32 assists for 43points. D’Astous is 5th in the league in scoring.
Jonah Leard is ranked 10th in the league scoring race with a record of 18 goals and 20assists for 38 points.
*Defenseman Raphael Denis is currently on a 10-game point streak. Denis has compiled a record thus far this season of 6 goals and 21 assists for 27 points.
NEWS FROM AROUND THE LEAGUE:
*The Edmundston Blizzard (52pts) have an 11-point lead on the West Kent Steamers (41pts)for top spot in the EastLink North division standings.
Following in order are Campbellton (34pts),Miramichi (33pts), the Rapids (20pts) and Fredericton (16pts).
In the Eastlink South division, the Summerside Western Capitals (49pts) have a 15-point leadover the Amherst Ramblers (34pts). Following in order are Truro (29pts), Pictou County (28pts), Yarmouth (23pts) and Valley (16pts).
*The Amherst Ramblers are the hottest team in the league, having won their last 6 games. Note that the Valley Wildcats are winless in their last 13 games.
*Dominik Godin of the Summerside Western Capitals is still first in the MHL scoring racewith a record of 29 goals and 24 assists for 53points.
Philippe Collette of the Edmundston Blizzardhas taken second spot with a record of 17 goals and 35 assists for 52 points.
Godin leads the league in power play goals with 14.
Mathis Perron of the Amherst Ramblers has been credited with the most winning goals this season (6).
*George Gallant of Summerside has the league’s best goals-against average at 2.68, followed by Simon Boucher of Edmundston at 2.79.
THE RAPIDS UPCOMING SCHEDULE:
*Wednesday December 18: Rapids at Campbellton (7:00 pm)
*Friday December 20: Amherst at Rapids (7:00 pm)