A series of penalties awarded to the Quebec Remparts early in the third period made the difference in Sunday afternoon's clash against the Halifax Mooseheads.
After 40 minutes of play, the Red Devils led 2-1 and saw the Orignaux take a 3-2 lead and cruise to victory thanks to the numerical advantages these penalties brought.
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Lou-Félix Denis initially took advantage of a poor rebound from Vincent Fillion behind the net to tie the game, while Charles-Olivier Villeneuve was in the penalty box. Then, a few minutes later, it was Peter Reynold's turn to thwart the Remparts goalkeeper barely five seconds into a double numerical superiority caused by simultaneous penalties on Loïc Goyette and Antoine Michaud.
The author of the locals' second goal, 20-year-old veteran Daniel Agostino, stated after the game that the visitors' goal, which made it five on three, “destroyed the momentum” that the Red Devils had maintained since the start of the game .
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For his part, his coach, Éric Veilleux, argued that this sequence took place just moments after the officials refused to give him explanations on two calls that were not directed against the Mooseheads.
“It was six minutes that changed the outcome of the game. We had two penalties, they were able to capitalize on it and that's right. It was 2-2, we hadn't lost the momentum yet, he said. We play hockey, you tell the players to move their feet and force the officials to call things because if you don't skate, the opponent won't hold you back. However, in the following minute and fifteen seconds there were two calls that were not made.
The Remparts' boss said he wanted explanations, but it was impossible to get them. “I didn't even have time to speak before I got a warning. I didn't even have time to say nothing! And then we played five against three… It was the six minutes that made the difference. That makes no sense !”
“That’s how you win big games”
For the Mooseheads, who were playing their third game in four days, coach Jim Midgley was pleased with the power play success.
“We have been on the road since Monday and took advantage of our numerical advantages with two big goals. That's what we want. That's how you win big games. “It was a close game,” he summed up.
Fast
- Finnish defender Bruno Jalasti was left out of the lineup for the second consecutive game. “We decided that Martel would play today. It’s that simple. It doesn’t change anything that a European Championship is taking place in the stands,” explained Éric Veilleux.
- The Remparts wore a special uniform as part of their First Peoples Reconciliation game. During the pre-match ceremonies, the 10,269 spectators were also able to witness a traditional dance performed by children and dancers from the Five Nations.