Eagles Edge Wildcats in Overtime Thriller
Published on January 28, 2020 under Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)
Cape Breton Eagles News Release
SYDNEY - The beat rolls on for the Cape Breton Eagles after a 5-4 overtime win over the Maritime Division leading Moncton Wildcats.
A tentative start to the period was soon forgotten- after three minutes without a shot to start the period, the teams combined for five goals before period's end with the home side jumping out to a 2-0 lead. Shawn Element opened the scoring, converting a pass from Tyler Hinam, kicking it to himself and putting it by Olivier Rodrigue. Then Logan Camp earned his first goal as an Eagle, crashing the net and putting through the legs of the Moncton goaltender.
The teams would then trade goals until the end of the period. Jakob Pelletier broke the shutout from the front of the Eagles goal, finishing a give and go from Alexander Khovanov. A backhand cross-ice pass from Mathias Laferrière set Ryan Francis up to re-establish a two goal lead. Jordan Spence finished the scoring for a wild opening frame by jumping into the play and beating Kevin Mandolese from the slot.
The Eagles held their 3-2 lead through the second period in a game that featured the first special teams action. Mandolese stood tall as the Eagles killed both minor penalties.
Both teams would need to rally in the third period. The Eagles, unbeaten this season when leading after one period, found themselves trailing by the halfway mark. Jacob Hudson tied the game after he a converted a pass from Philippe Daoust who had been attempting a wrap around. Then after the eight minute mark, Gabriel Fortier zapped a shot into the top corner from the hashmarks and it was 4-3 for the visitors.
It didn't take long for the Eagles to find a counter though. Less than two minutes later, Derek Gentile banked a shot from the top left face-off circle after Christian Huntley's leg and by Olivier Rodrigue. Neither team could find the back of the net in the final ten minutes of regulation and the game went to overtime.
Gentile was at it again in overtime, racing into the Moncton zone before being taken down by Gabriel Fortier. Some fans felt it could have been a penalty shot, but instead the Eagles were headed to their first power play of the game.
It didn't take long- just 85 seconds into regulation and 33 seconds into the power play- for the Eagles to find a game winner. Egor Sokolov blasted a heavy shot by Rodrigue to send the Centre 200 crowd into a frenzy.
It was the first loss in overtime all season for Moncton, and the tenth win in a row for the Eagles on home ice- one shy of the team record of 11 set during the 2003-04 regular season. The Eagles also hold the best record in the second half of the regular season in the QMJHL at 12-1.
The Eagles are next in action on Friday night as they host the Acadie-Bathurst Titan. The Eagles are offering a special a family Friday package for the game, as 2 adult tickets, and 2 youth tickets can be purchased for $44 taxes included. Puck drop is at 7 PM, and tickets can be purchased at the Centre 200 box office, by phone at 902-564-2200 or online at https://tickets.capebreton.ca/Online/default.asp
THREE STARS OF THE GAME
1. Egor Sokolov (Cape Breton) overtime winning goal, 1 assist
2. Shawn Element (Cape Breton) 1 goal, 1 assist
3. Kevin Mandolese (Cape Breton) 35 saves on 39 shots
Scratches For Cape Breton: Nathan Larose (illness) Shawn Boudrias (lower body injury), Matthew Gordon
Scratches For Moncton: Ryan MacLellan, Francis Langlois, Liam Léonard (suspension)
Final Shots On Goal: 39-23 in favour of Moncton
Cape Breton Power Play: 1/1
Moncton Power Play: 0/2
Attendance: 2718
Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Stories from January 28, 2020
- Poirier Scores in 3-2 Loss to Rimouski - Saint John Sea Dogs
- Eagles Edge Wildcats in Overtime Thriller - Cape Breton Eagles
- QMJHL, AQPS and CMHA Team up - QMJHL
- Sea Dogs Ready for Road Trip Challenge through Quebec - Saint John Sea Dogs
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