Ramparts: not perfect, but under control

The Remparts drove to Charlottetown this morning in the position they wanted: 2-0 in their run against the Islanders. If they gave their opponents almost nothing in the first two games, they weren’t perfect for all of that. Analysis of the Red Devils’ play since the beginning of the series.

• Also read: QMJHL playoffs: another Remparts win despite Jakob Robillard’s brilliance

No one expected the team to have a tough time against the Islanders, who are clearly not in the same place in their cycle despite Jim Hulton’s masterful lead.

GOOD

The first game was one-sided, on all levels. Quebec answered the islanders blow for blow, dominating them in both physical play and speed. Frustrated a few times, the Charlottetown players took costly penalties that allowed the Remparts to build their confidence.

Without the brilliance of Jakob Robillard, the result could have been much, much better than 4-0.

In two games, the Remparts scored seven goals and conceded just one, that of Michael Horth, who scored in the third period of the second game with less than three minutes remaining. They overtook their opponents 91-35 in two games. With few exceptions, there have only been a few occasions when the islanders have actually been able to establish themselves in the Remparts area to create truly offensive threats. As Roy noted, William Rousseau was watching the grain on Saturday when it happened.

The 19-year-old goalkeeper’s play is certainly one of the good things in these first two games. Faced against a flaming Robillard on the other side, Rousseau held his own and, although not so tested, looked out of control in front of his net every time the islanders attempted an attack.

“He’s been very good since the start of the playoffs. Both are. They go well together and it’s good for us. We’re up against a hot keeper and the boys realize it’s not just going to be top goals, it’s going to be heel and shovel. We’ll bet on that if we want to go far in the playoffs. »

THE WORST

The “point work” that Roy is referring to was a little more visible in the second game of the series, where the Remparts didn’t get as close to perfection as they could have done the day before. That’s not to say they weren’t good, but it is a fact and Patrick Roy admitted the execution was lacking at times.

Facing a Jakob Robillard back in full possession – he clearly has no intention of ending his junior career by beating the Remparts – the Remparts had good chances but left several others on the ice and attempted the pass too many, which of course would have made a spectacular goal possible, but whose level of difficulty was higher.

“Our execution wasn’t that good. I have to admit. Several times we made passes in the skates. Let’s hope things get better in Charlottetown,” admitted Patrick Roy after the second game.

ON THE WAY TO THE END

Now the Remparts have arrived on Prince Edward Island with firm intentions of returning to Quebec once the sweeps are complete.

While Jim Hulton felt coming home would be an advantage for his young team as “our comfort level is better at home than on the road,” he said, Patrick Roy saw things a little differently.

“This year we have almost the same record on the road as at home. Beyond that we have lived and I am convinced that it will serve us. We know they will come out strong and it’s up to us to be ready. Also, they might be more comfortable at home, but I’m sure they’ll be nervous too, knowing that a loss would put them down 3-0. You have that in mind too. »

♦ The third and fourth games of the series will take place in Charlottetown on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

Statistics after two games