FREDERICTON – In what was considered a key game for the Rapids in their quest to catch Fredericton in the standings, it was the Red Wings who were the better team on Saturday night, handing Grand Falls a 5-0 loss in a contest played at the Grant-Harvey Centre.
It was the Rapids’ 5th consecutive loss, which now leaves them with a record of 7-13-3 for 17 points, which is now 10 points back of the fourth and final playoff spot available in the Eastlink North division.
Acquired via trade on Thursday, Red Wings’ netminder Yacine Chemrouk registered the shutout in his first start with his new team, making 32 saves and receiving first star honors.
Fredericton got on the board early in the opening period on Carson Peer’s 3rd goal of the season after taking a rebound in front of the Rapids’ crease.
The Red Wings led 14-9 in shots on goal through twenty minutes of play.
Fredericton scored another early period goal in the middle frame, this time coming from the stick of Sam MacFarlane at 2:24. MacFarlane spun around in possession of the puck and sent a screen shot that beat Grand Falls’ goalkeeper Adam Lecours.
The Red Wings weren’t done yet as they added two more goals before the end of the second period. It was the top line that produced the third goal when Slava Melikov sent a backhand pass to Cam Thomson in front of the net. It was goal number 15 for Thomson this season.
Then with 55 seconds remaining, Manix Sarrasin got control of a loose puck in front of the net and with a couple of nifty moves, scored his 17th goal of the season.
The home team added a fifth goal in the third period, scored at the 9-minute mark. Jake Tracey was the one who brought the score 5-0, securing a 12th victory for the Red Wings this season.
The final tally in shots on goal was in favor of Fredericton, 36 to 32.
The Rapids will complete their three-game series this weekend as they host Sunday afternoon the Amherst Ramblers. Puck drop is at 3 pm at the E.&P. Sénéchal Centre.
GAME NOTES:
*Manix Sarrasin finished the game with 1g and 1a. Two Red Wings’ players had 2 assists: Slava Melikov and Noah Befekadu.
*Only 1 minor penalty on each side was assessed in the game.
*Game attendance: 776
*Three stars of the game: 1- Yacine Chemrouk (FRW); 2- Noah Befekadu (FRW); Carson Peer (FRW)
Patrick Thibault
Scoring
1st
3:15 FRW Carson Peer (3) ASST: Matthew Ferdinand (1), Tyson Snow (5)
2nd
2:24 FRW Sam MacFarlane (8) ASST: Zachary Rushton (1), Xzander Pierce (4)
15:31 FRW Cam Thomson (15) ASST: Slava Melikov (23), Manix Sarrasin (17)
19:05 FRW Manix Sarrasin (17) ASST: Slava Melikov (24), Noah Befekadu (3)
3rd
9:32 FRW Jake Tracey (3) ASST: Landon Paul (8), Noah Befekadu (4)