It was a tough week for the Rapids, but not necessarily on the ice surface. Let’s say the timing was not great for any sports’ team to play in Nova Scotia last weekend as a snowstorm paralyzed the entire province.
Greg Leland’s squad did get to play on Saturday night in Truro despite tough conditions outside, but Sunday night’s matchup in Pictou County was rescheduled for Monday night… then on the following night.
The game was finally completed as the Rapids got out of Nova Scotia with a .500 record and possibly lots to talk about on their way home.
Saturday night’s game in Truro was a gem for the Rapids as they came back from a two-goal deficit in the third period to tie the score and eventually win in overtime on Jonah Leard’s game winner.
After Brayden Campbell scored the first goal of the period for Grand Falls, momentum seemed to shift. Nicholas Brennan tied the score with less than 3 minutes remaining in regulation, sending the game into overtime.
It was a great character win for the Rapids who never quit, despite getting nothing to show for on the board in the first two periods. Defensive play was solid and goaltender Adam Lecours made the saves that had to be made in the most crucial moments.
On Tuesday night against the Weeks Crushers, the Rapids still played a great game defensively and obtained some good goaltending once again, this time from Will Hodgson who made a total of 38 saves.
Down by two goals in the final frame, Raphael Denis cut the lead for Grand Falls on a power play, but Pictou County held on for the victory.
Note that the Rapids also played a game last Wednesday at home against the Edmundston Blizzard who came out victorious by a 4-0 score.
The Rapids are currently 8 points back of the Campbellton Tigers for 5th spot in the Eastlink North division. Both teams will meet Sunday afternoon in Campbellton. T
In the meantime, the Rapids will play a home game on Friday night as they host the Fredericton Red Wings who hold the 4th and final playoff spot in the North division standings.
Patrick Thibault
TEAM NEWS AND STATS
*The Rapids have scored a total of 114 goals this season and have have allowed 173 in 41 games.
*Their power play efficiency is now at 18.4%, which is currently ranked last in the league.
Their penalty kill is at 73.7%, ranked 10th in the league.
*The Rapids have a total of 594 penalty minutes; they are the third-least penalized team in the league.
*Following are the team leaders among different statistical departments:
-points: Jérémy Boulanger (39)
-goals: Jérémy Boulanger (12)
-assists: Jérémy Boulanger (27)
-power play goals: Jonah Leard (4)
-power play points: Ethan Johnson (18)
-shorthanded goals: Zacharie Charest and Tristan Sanchez (1)
-winning goals: Zacharie Charest (3)
-goals against average: Adam Lecours (3.59)
NEWS FROM AROUND THE LEAGUE:
*The Edmundston Blizzard now hold a 3-point lead atop the Eastlink North standings with 61 points in 41 games played. West Kent follows with 58 points in 40 games.
Following in order in the standings are: Miramichi (51pts), Fredericton (37pts), Campbellton (31pts), Rapids (23pts).
In the Eastlink South division, the Summerside Western Capitals still lead with 62 points.
Amherst is second with 48pts, followed by Pictou County and Truro who both total 46pts, Yarmouth (44pts) and Valley (14pts).
*Carter McCluskey of the Fredericton Red Wings leads the league in scoring with a record of 39 goals and 40 assists for 79 points. He is followed by Félix Bédard of Edmundston (32g 44a 76pts).
Nicholas Sheehan of the Edmundston Blizzard remains the leader among goaltenders with the best goals-against average with 2.25.
THE RAPIDS UPCOMING SCHEDULE:
*Friday February 9: Fredericton vs Rapids (7:00 pm)
*Sunday February 11: Rapids vs Campbellton (3:00 pm)