RIMOUSKI | Nathan Gaucher had promised, after match no. 2, that the Rimouski Oceanic would not win a single game in the series. So far he is 50% right.
• Read also: No question of giving up in the Océanic camp
The Quebec Remparts won an important 4-1 victory on Thursday in the third game between the two teams, this one presented at the home of the Océanic. They now lead the series three of five, 2-1.
Gaucher and his trio responded yesterday. The center player finished the game with a goal and an assist, as did his winger James Malatesta.
“The left-handed line was amazing. They were dominant and physical,” said Patrick Roy after the game.
“It went well, we were ready, added Gaucher. We had to come out strong and that’s what we did. Our line played really well today. […] I did not feel that I had to answer at all costs but I said it and I will follow my words. Our line played well, the whole team played well. That’s our team, the Remparts.”
SERIES MATCH
After taking a 2-0 lead after two periods, limiting the Océanic to eight shots on goal on William Rousseau after 40 minutes, the Remparts saw their opponent reduce the lead to 2-1 in the third through Xavier Cormier who was making a comeback.
Shortly after, Rimouski was given a golden chance to tie the game when Xavier Filion was awarded a major penalty for a cross-check in the face of Maël St-Denis.
The men of Beausoleil were not able to take advantage of it, however, seeing their advantage cut by two minutes due to a minor penalty to Charles Côté.
“When we put it 2-1, there were some who were starting to have a red face on the other side, launched Beausoleil. In the first period, they dominated us and in the second, we quietly advanced, then in the third it was much better. We had the momentum at 2-1 but we took two stupid penalties. We took advantage of a major but we couldn’t even create chances in the direction of the world.
CHANCE TO END
Thursday, the Charlottetown Islanders, the Shawinigan Cataractes and the Sherbooke Phoenix all completed the sweep of their series, to access the four aces. There is therefore only the Remparts – Océanic series in progress and Quebec will have the opportunity to join them with a victory, Friday evening in Rimouski.
“It was a key game for us tonight and we had to find a way to get it. Now, tomorrow (Friday evening), we will have to be even better because the others will want to be, ”said Patrick Roy.
Informed that the other three series were over, Nathan Gaucher then added his two cents.
“They [the semis teams] will have a little more rest but we don’t worry too much about that. We’ll finish this tomorrow.”
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