SUMMERSIDE, Prince Edward Island – A real blizzard shook the Credit Union Place in the second period on Easter Day when the Edmundston Blizzard scored four goals, including three on the power play, en route to a 5-3 win over the Summerside Western Capitals.
The Blizzard took a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series of the Eastlink North Division of the MHL Metalfab Cup and will aim for a sweep 24 hours later, on Monday April 10, at the Capitals’ home.
After a scoreless first period, both teams opened their machines in the second frame for a six-goal explosion. The Blizzard led 4-2 after 40 minutes of play.
Alex Arsenault (1st star; 1g, 2a), Jérémy Duguay (2nd star; 1g, 2a), Peter Amanatidis, Tristan Fortin and Tim Porter (empty net) shook the ropes for the Blizzard. Patrick LeBlanc collected two assists. The winning goal belonged to Duguay.
Connor Keough (3rd star; 1g, 1a), Ed McNeill (1g), Marc Richard (1g) and Trentyn Crane (2a) were the top offensive players for the Western Capitals who will be looking to avoid elimination for a second consecutive series after trailing 3-1 in the previous series against the Campbellton Tigers.
Thomas Boucher was outstanding for the third time in this series. He made a number of critical saves and shut down many of the Islanders’ threats. He faced 26 shots. Capitals goaltender Chad Arsenault had a slightly more difficult time despite making some key saves. On the Blizzard’s third goal at 9:43 of the second period, he was replaced by Brandon Abbott. The Blizzard players fired 34 shots towards the Summerside cage.
The Blizzard scored three power play goals in that fateful second period. This is the first time in the Blizzard’s history that they have scored three power play goals in a single period. The ability of Edmundston’s players to run out the clock in shorthanded situations is another facet that has helped them since the beginning of this series. Summerside scored one goal on four power plays and has only 2 goals on 11 attempts in three games against the Blizzard.
Game four on Monday will begin at 7 p.m.
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Photo
Alex Arsenault continues to be a threat around the net. On this Easter Sunday, he recorded a goal and two assists for the Blizzard. He is seen near Western Capitals goalie Brandon Abbott. Photo by Percy Picard on site in Summerside
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Contact: Hugues Chiasson, vice-president communications – The Edmundston Blizzard; (506) 740-0623 – cell phone