The Phoenix can say mission accomplished as the Sherbrooke team return home with a 2-0 lead in their semifinal series against the Halifax Mooseheads.
The Estrien side triumphed 3-2 in extra time at the Scotiabank Center on Sunday.
Defender Tyson Hinds picked the perfect moment to score his first goal of the playoffs. In overtime, the Anaheim Ducks contender ventured deep into opposing territory and redirected a squadron of Ethan Gauthier behind the back of goaltender Mathis Rousseau.
Buoyed by their 5-2 win the night before, the Phoenix had the knife between their teeth and quickly took control, scoring twice in the first ten minutes of the first period of play. David Spacek and Jakub Brabenec were the originators of his successes. It was their third and second goal respectively in the playoffs.
The crowd’s favorites hadn’t said their last word, however. The Mooseheads first opened up in the first half of the third period when Mathieu Cataford eventually broke through goalkeeper Olivier Adams’ wall.
Alexandre Doucet then sent everyone into overtime, scoring just nine seconds after regular time. Jake Furlong was instrumental in both of Team Nova Scotia’s successes.
In goal, Adams made 23 saves in the win while Rousseau made 36 pucks in the loss.
The Phoenix and the Mooseheads now face off in two duels at the Palais des Sports Léopold-Drolet. The first of these will be contested on Tuesday evening.