The Trois-Rivières Lions play a lot against the Newfoundland Growlers, but would probably prefer not to. On Saturday afternoon, however, the school club Montreal Canadiens avoided a 20th loss in two seasons against their favorite in the ECHL.
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In 2022-2023, the Big Cats were defeated five times in seven encounters with the Atlantic team. In the game of the day, Marc-André Bergeron’s men did everything they could to avoid another affront. They made a comeback in the third period and won 4-2 at the Colisée Vidéotron.
For the record, the Growlers became the first opponents in Lions history in 2021, defeating the Mauricie team three times in a row. Partner club Toronto Maple Leafs won 10 of 14 meetings between the two teams this year. He also ended the Lions’ playoff run, winning in seven games in the first round.
But the time for revenge may have come. Cédric Lacroix capitalized on Chris Martenet’s second visit to the dungeon in the third period, leveling the game on the power play. Anthony Beauregard made the difference with a major league shot, scoring with exactly one minute remaining in regulation time. He finished the game with three points.
Captain Cédric Montminy sealed the game with an empty goal. Connor Welsh was the other goalscorer for his side.
Habs prospect Joe Vrbetic had a good game in front of the lions’ net with 34 saves.
Trois-Rivières will play their next four games against Reading Royals from Friday, including three in as many days.