EDMUNDSTON, New Brunswick – The Edmundston Blizzard fired on all cylinders in the second period, scoring four goals, including three in 1:52, to defeat the Grand Falls Rapids 6-4 on Thursday night at Edmundston’s Jean-Daigle Centre.
The Blizzard unleashed 29 shots in the middle frame, a team record for a single period. Rapids goaltender Adam Lecours finished the night with 53 shots, earning him third star honors.
The Rapids were the only team to get on the scoreboard in the first period, through Tate Brenner (6th) at 12:33.
After a quiet performance in the first twenty minutes, the Blizzard came out thundering in the second. Philippe Collette scored twice (13th and 14th). Félix Bédard (20th) and Tim Porter (3rd) also shook the ropes. But the Rapids held firm thanks to Ty Hunter (3rd) and Jérémy Boulanger (6th). After 40 minutes of play, the score was 4-3 in favor of the Blizzard.
Simon Olivier’s men struck the final blow in the third, thanks to goals from Mathieu Boucher (1st) and Peter Amanatidis (9th). Trailing 6-3, the Rapids closed to within two goals thanks to Marcellus Francis (6th), a last-minute effort.
With two goals and an assist, Philippe Collette earned the first star. Félix Bédard (1g, 2a), who passed the 40-point mark (20g, 21a), was awarded second star.
Defenseman Mathieu Boucher had two good reasons to celebrate. He scored his first career MHL goal, which turned out to be the winner.
Goalie Samuel LeBlanc faced 19 shots in front of the Blizzard cage.
It was the third chapter in the Battle of the Northwest. The Blizzard (17-8-0-0) won all three contests against the Rapids (7-15-0-3). Despite their winning surge, the Blizzard are still four points behind the West Kent Steamers (18-7-2-0), leaders of the MHL’s Eastlink North division. However, the Steamers have played two more games.
The Blizzard will play their next game at the Miramichi Timberwolves on Saturday (7 p.m.).
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Photos
Philippe Collette is on a roll with 13 points in his last 8 games. Photos Percy Picard
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Contact: Hugues Chiasson, vice-president communications – The Edmundston Blizzard; (506) 740-0623 – cell phone