RAPIDS WIN 7th STRAIGHT WITH A SHOOTOUT WIN IN EDMUNDSTON
EDMUNDSTON – Coen Miller scored the game-winning goal in the shootout frame on Thursday night at the Jean-Daigle Centre, giving the Grand Falls Rapids their 7th consecutive victory as they defeated the Edmundston Blizzard 3-2.
The victory propelled the Rapids into a tie for first place with the Blizzard in the Eastlink North division standings. Both teams currently have identical records of 28-15-6 for 62 points with only three games remaining to their regular season schedule.
It was once again an intense and exciting game as both squads were looking to wrap up the regular season matchup by seeking a victory over their Northwestern rivals. For the first time this season, the Rapids were able to defeat the Blizzard on their home rink, thus tying the seasons series at 4 wins apiece.
Coen Miller was the only player on both sides to score in the shootout session. His wrist shot beat netminder Cédric Massé who was spectacular for Edmundston in overtime. His counterpart, Adam Lecours, was also at his best, deserving first star honors with some key saves after his team had trailed by two goals early on.
Bailey Shortall sent the game into overtime, scoring at 19:34 of the third period. His backhand shot found the back of the net with an extra attacker on the ice for the Rapids.
Grand Falls was able to survive a 4 on 3 man-disadvantage early in overtime thanks to some solid defense and great goaltending.
It was however a tough start to the game for Greg Leland’s squad. The Blizzard indeed controlled the first twenty minutes of play, outshooting Grand Falls 16 to 4 while taking a 2-0 lead.
François-Xavier Mercier scored at 1 :58 of the opening period on a deflection in front of the net. Then at 13:43, Michael Arsenault had the puck deflect off his skate, giving the Blizzard a 2-0 lead.
The Rapids rebounded well in the second period, sending 14 shots on net and getting some good scoring opportunities. That was also the case in the third period, until they finally scored at 9:22 on Nathan Plamondon-Michaud’s 23rd goal of the season which came off a shot that went over the glove of Cédric Massé on the short side.
Both teams finished the game with 31 shots on goal.
Following Thursday night’s games, both the Rapids and the Blizzard share first spot in the Eastlink North division with 62 points, followed by the West Kent Steamers (61 points) and the Chaleur Lightning (59 points.
The Rapids will host the Lightning on Friday night (7pm) as they will be looking for an 8th consecutive win.
ADITIONNAL NOTES
*It was the Rapids’ 4th victory this season against the Blizzard after dropping all 8 games they played against their Northwestern rivals last season (2024-2025). It was also a second win in less than a week for Grand Falls against Edmundston, both coming in extra time.
*Attendance at the Jean-Daigle Centre: 2346
*Three stars of the game: 1- Adam Lecours (GFR); 2- Cédric Massé (EDM); 3- Coen Miller (GFR)
Patrick Thibault
Scoring
| 1st | |||
| 1:58 | EDM | François-Xavier Mercier (6) ASST: Alexis Chénard (9) | |
| 13:43 | EDM | Michael Arsenault (18) ASST: Darien Thomson (34), Michael Derbidge (19) | |
| 2nd | |||
| No Scoring | |||
| 3rd | |||
| 9:22 | GFR | Nathan Plamondon-Michaud (23) ASST: Patrick Baxter (15) | |
| 19:34 | GFR | Bailey Shortall (12) ASST: Coen Miller (34), Conor Ryan (16) | |
| 1st OT | |||
| No Scoring | |||