EDMUNDSTON, New Brunswick – The Edmundston Blizzard got sweet revenge against last year’s playoff champions, the Miramichi Timberwolves, by triumphing 3-2 on Monday night at the Jean-Daigle Centre to win one of the Eastlink North Division semi-final series, 4-1.
From memory, it was the liveliest crowd in the history of the Edmundston concession. Many waves broke and the loud cheering certainly energized the Blizzard players, who played a solid game from start to finish. A total of 2,555 spectators on a Monday night… The fans’ love for their team continues unabated!
For the third time in games played in Edmundston in this series, it was Carl-Anthony Massé (3rd) who set the tone by scoring the game’s first goal. At 8:21 of the first period, he completely flouted goalkeeper Jack Flanagan with a masterful move.
The Blizzard struck early in the second period when Émile Fournier (6th) pushed the puck behind the goalie following a deft pass from Marco Martin. Up 2-0, the Blizzard saw the Timberwolves cut the deficit to 2-1 through defenseman Nolan Ryan (1st) at 17:02 of the second period.
As they had done in the previous period, the Blizzard stunned the opposing defense in the 25th second of the third period. Well positioned in the slot, Marco Martin (2nd) scored the goal that gave Edmundston a 3-1 lead. The Wolves multiplied their attacks and managed to make it 3-2 with 4:55 to go in the third thanks to Cael MacDonald (3rd).
Goalkeeper Frédéric Cousineau brilliantly earned his epaulets by making key saves and deftly controlling tough situations near his cage, while passing the puck to start few attacks himself. Cousineau faced 28 Timberwolves shots, including 15 in the third period. Flanagan received 36 shots.
Marco Martin, enjoying his best series since donning the Blizzard uniform, collected a goal and an assist and the game’s first star. Teammates Mathieu Pigeon (2nd, 1a) and Carl-Anthony Massé (3rd, 1a) earned the other stars.
In the 2024 series, the Blizzard lost to the Timberwolves in the second round in four consecutive games.
The Blizzard await their next opponents, who will be either the Campbellton Tigers or the West Kent Steamers. This semi-final series, which is tied 2-2, will end on Friday or Sunday if a seventh game is required. Tigers and Steamers will face off in their fifth game on Wednesday in Grand-Bouctouche.
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Photo
Marco Martin scored the winning goal on Monday. Photo archives Percy Picard
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Source: Hugues Chiasson, communications co-ordinator – Edmundston Blizzard – 506 740-0623 – (cell.)