EDMUNDSTON, N.B. – Defenseman Lucas Fortin put the finishing touches on one of the greatest comebacks in Edmundston Blizzard history, defeating the Summerside Western Capitals 4-3 in overtime on Saturday night at the Jean-Daigle Centre.
Trailing 3-0 in the third period, the Blizzard had been unable to overcome a tough opponent that allowed very few opportunities on defense.
After a quiet and scoreless opening period, the Western Capitals took control in the second with three unanswered goals by Owen MacPherson (2nd at 2:17), Coen Miller (6th at 5:01), and Ethan Dickson (5th at 17:58). The Capitals took advantage of their special teams, scoring their first goal while shorthanded and the next two with a man advantage.
The Blizzard got back into the game when Darien Thomson (7th) found the back of the net at 7:56. Then, Émile Fournier (1st) skillfully deflected a shot to cut the lead to 3-2 at 13:49. Justin Bouchard (2nd) sent the 2,187 fans into a frenzy by tying the game at 3-3 with a sharp wrist shot.
In overtime, Lucas Fortin (3rd) ended the game at 2:07 while the Blizzard was on a power play.
Both goalies, Cédric Massé (Blizzard) and George Gallant (Western Capitals), were solid throughout the game, which saw the visitors dominate 36-29 in shots on goal.
The stars of the game were awarded to Fournier (1st; 1g, 1a), Fortin (2nd; 1g), and Gallant (3rd; 25 saves).
For the Blizzard (4-3-0-1), it was their third consecutive win. The Western Capitals (5-0-2-1) ended their weekend with a second overtime loss. On Friday in Grand Falls, they lost in similar fashion by the same score of 4-3.
Edmundston will host the Grand Falls Rapids (6-0-1-0) in its next game at the Jean Daigle Centre on Thursday, October 9 (7:30 p.m.).
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Photo
Blizzard players gather to celebrate their outstanding overtime victory on Saturday at the Jean-Daigle Centre. Photo by Percy Picard
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Source: Hugues Chiasson, communications – Edmundston Blizzard (506) 253-7741