Both teams exchanged goals in succession until the scoreboard indicated 4-4 midway through the third period. With just seven minutes to go in the third, the Weeks Crushers lacked discipline, which cost them the game.
Logan Johnston scored the winning goal at 14:54 on a power play. During the play stoppage, the local team was given a bench penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct. Then at 15:38, Pictou County received another minor. The Blizzard capitalized on that unique two-man advantage opportunity. Mathieu Blanchard, with his first in the blue and white jersey, buried the Weeks Crushers by making it 6-4 at 16:19.
First star of the game, Maxime Grandmaison scored twice for the winners. Logan Johnston also shined with a goal and two assists. Pierre Bourgoin (1 goal and 1 assist), Tristan Mercure and Mathieu Blanchard also scored for the Blizzard. Defensemen Alex Lavoie (3rd star of the night) and Alexandre Bernier added two assists each.
For Pictou County, Michael Dill (1 goal, 2 assists), Marc Gagnon (1-1), Quinten Johnson and Jacob Hickey beat Myles Hektor who pushed back 29 shots. His opponent, Luke Melanson, faced 30 shots.
Pictou County led 2-1 and 3-2 at the end of the first two periods. Blizzard’s power play units have once again responded with three goals.
Malcolm MacEachern, of Long Pond, Nova Scotia, made his debut with the Blizzard.
Edmundston (23 wins, 4 losses and 3 overtime defeats) has 49 points at the top of the EastLink North Division, 15 more than Campbellton and Miramichi who are tied with 34 points.
The Blizzard will complete its shortened two-game trip to Nova Scotia with a clash against the Valley Wildcats Sunday at 2 pm in Berwick, near Kentville.
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Contact: Hugues Chiasson, vice-president communications – The Edmundston Blizzard; (506) 740-0623 – cell phone