BAIE-COMEAU | With their backs to the wall, the Baie-Comeau Drakkar must make no mistakes in Monday night’s sixth game of their round of 16 series against the Moncton Wildcats.
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With a 3-2 deficit in the matchup, the crew members have already given up the recent heartbreaking 3-2 loss (in overtime) and are focused on the next matchup.
“All our energy is focused on game number 6 and the players are well aware of that. In the playoffs you have to live in the now, do the small details well without looking too far ahead,” reiterated head coach Jean-François Grégoire.
Asked about the morning training on Sunday, the boss behind the bench expects a good reaction from his men. “We won the last game we played here. Our record on the road (11/14) over the past few weeks proves we’re up to the challenge.
The series has been very intense and balanced since kickoff and proves quality hockey right. “Both teams have the same goal. Opportunism in attack will be a very important aspect. The chances to score are there, but we have to find a way to finish our games,” added the coach.
The Drakkar, without striker Matthew MacDonald (severe shoulder injury), will look to build on their success in game number 4 when they built a three-goal lead in the first period.
Victim of a dubious check by defender Oscar Plandowski in Game 5, MacDonald had no chance to protect himself. The gesture went unpunished on the ice, but the ship’s command nevertheless sent the video to the league’s disciplinary committee. A concrete decision has not yet been made.
In summary
- The two teams shared a plane to return to Moncton on Saturday.
- Defender Niks Fenenko, used exclusively on power plays, will look to increase his appearances in this crucial game.
- If the Nord-Côtiers win, the last game of the series will be played at the Center Avenir ice rink on Tuesday night.