SUMMERSIDE, Prince Edward Island – Fortunately, 3-on-3 overtime play and shootout are inexistent in the playoffs. If so, the Edmundston Blizzard would be in serious trouble…
Thursday night at Summerside, the Blizzard fought a tough battle with the Western Capitals who won 4-3 in the breakaway session. For the Blizzard, this was a seventh defeat in eight attempts in shootout this season, including three losses to Summerside in such circumstance. The Capitals secured first place overall in the MHL. In 3-on-3 overtime, Blizzard’s record is 1-1 this year.
Marc-André LeCouffe put the final touch in the shootout by beating Marc-Antoine Bérubé-Jalbert with a low sharp shot. LeCouffe is three for three in shootout against the Blizzard this season. Capitals’ goalkeeper Dominik Tmej stopped back to back Isaac Chapman, Chrystopher Collin and Jérémy Duguay.
Duguay (3rd), Chapman (29th) and Tristan Sanchez (2nd star), with his first MHL goal, scored in regulation time for the Blizzard who took the lead for the first time in the second minute of the third period. But Colby MacArthur tied the game 3-3 at 6:23. Brodie MacArthur and Marc Richard also lit the red light for Summerside (39-6-0-2, 80 points).
With two assists in a second straight game, Félix Rioux had another great night. His repeated forechecking and physical play were particularly notable.
The Western Capitals led 44-33 in shots on goal. On the Blizzard side, it was a great effort, given the strength of their opponents, ranked second in the country. Goalkeeper Bérubé Jalbert was particularly brilliant. With this point, the Blizzard are sure to finish second in the Eastlink North Division.
The Blizzard (30-9-1-7, 68 points) will have to recover quickly because it will face the Red Wings in Fredericton (25-18-3-0, 53 points) Friday (7 pm) at the centre Grant Harvey Centre.
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Photo
Another great night for Félix Rioux who collected two assists and distributed many body checks. Photo archives Percy Picard
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Source: Hugues Chiasson, vice-president communications – The Edmundston Blizzard; (506) 740-0623 – cell phone