RIMOUSKI | Goaltender Patrik Hamrla took matters into his own hands with 35 saves as the Océanic ended a five-game losing streak with a 3-0 shutout against the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies in Rimouski on Sunday.
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It was Hamrla’s fifth shutout this season. “Hamrla smoked hot. The boys have recovered well after a game I didn’t like as much in Drummondville. We had a couple of good chances to score, including a two-on-zero and a breakaway,” analyzed Océanic head coach Serge Beausoleil.
Support staff stand out
The first quarter was rather lackluster with very few scoring chances for either side. The two teams did not create much offensively, as the dangerous shots from 2 to 1 in favor of the Océanic showed. Nathan Lévesque was added to the line-up and was notable for his speed. Along with his linemates Alexander Gaudio and Alexandre Lefebvre, he was the source of some forays into the offensive zone.
“Lévesque and Lefebvre had a strong game after being left out in Drummondville. I benefited a lot from Lévesque’s speed today because he deserved it,” commented Serge Beausoleil.
Sprynar opened the scoring in second place
Jan Sprynar (23rd) opened the first goal after a big crosscheck penalty kick against Alex Carr with his favorite weapon, a one-timer from the face-off circle. The Huskies then threatened mainly on a power play, but Patrik Hamrla was unstoppable in front of the Océanic net. Alexandre Lefebvre (2′) doubled the home side’s lead towards the end of the second period by saving Nathan Lévesque’s counterattack.
Luka Verreault (17th) completed the mark in the empty cage at the end of the game. Despite 15 shots at Patrik Hamrla, the Huskies couldn’t hit the bull’s eye in the third period.
“It’s a win that feels good. We wanted to hit back in front of our supporters. Hamrla was very solid. We have faith in him,” said Océanic captain Mathis Gauthier.
In summary
Cory MacGillivray and Quinn Kennedy were cut while Maël St-Denis, Shawn Pearson and Luke Coughlin were injured. The Océanic will host the Moncton Wildcats on Wednesday to resume the March 1 game that was postponed due to the presence of asbestos at the Sun Life Financial Coliseum.