Despite their power-play success in front of the Center Georges-Vézina spectators, the Chicoutimi Saguenéens conceded victory in extra time. The Rimouski Océanic took their chance in extra time to lead the series 1-0.
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After an unbelievable game, the “Nics” won 4:3 in overtime on Friday evening. Luke Goughlin used an offense by Alexis Morin to end the debate in Chicoutimi.
Before the start of the playoffs for the new Gilles-Courteau Trophy, the club’s head coach and general manager Yanick Jean was determined that his group retain the same energy as the season during the Spring Ball.
However, the Saguenay Blues finished last regular season with a 34.8% home powerplay win rate, the best performance in the league for that statistic. Jean’s men probably followed their pilot’s instructions, as they scored twice in the first period with an extra man.
After Xavier Fillion scored the first goal of the series, Emmanuel Vermette and Peteris Bulans both beat goalkeeper Patrik Hamrla in the first 20 minutes. But Matteo Mann’s smack on William Dumoulin’s head calmed the locals’ enthusiasm. In addition, a suspension could be pronounced in Mann’s case. Spencer Gill and the Océanic used the exclusion of the giant defender to equalize.
After a goalless second period, the Sags took the lead with another goal on the power play. This time it was Zachary Gravel who threaded the needle in the opening minutes of the third twenty. Despite this, Alexandre Blais put both teams into overtime with a great game.
The Playoffs: Another Season
Last season, the Bleuets were perfect against the “Nics” with four wins in front of their supporters. However, the pace of events was generally different. In the second period, the crowd’s favorite shot just three times at the opposing net. Even though the Saguenay power play paid off, the Océanics had the last word in the fourth period.