QMJHL Charlottetown Islanders

Eagles Pull Away from Islanders in Third Winning 4-2

Published on February 2, 2024 under Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)
Charlottetown Islanders News Release


The Cape Breton Eagles sneak away with a 4-2 win over the Charlottetown Islanders Friday night at the Centre 200.

Carter Bickle stopped 23 of 27 shots in the loss.

Eagles netminder Nicolas Ruccia was rock solid for Cape Breton in the win making multiple high-danger saves.

A funny bounce and the Isles lead after the first

Zach Biggar got the first period going with a chance that was stopped by Bickle.

Not long after, former Islander Lucas Romeo took a checking to the head penalty to send the Isles to the power play.

Then, after a chance in front of Eagles goaltender Nicolas Ruccia, Cape Breton went on a two-on-one and while chasing, Ross Campbell made it four-on-four. He was sent to the box for slashing.

Bickle then made another save before an Eagles skater fell into him, knocking his mask off and taking the net off its bearings.

The Isles ended up scoring after a bounce in front of Ruccia. Alexis Michaud (13) was able to get it through. Marcus Kearsey (32) and Anton Topilnyckyj (9) assisted.

After both penalties expired, the Eagles were given their first power play of the night.

Kyle Powers was penalised for roughing behind the play. Bickle and the penalty kill won the battle though, keeping it at a 1-0 lead for the Isles.

That's how the score would stay going into the first intermission.

Back and forth leads to brand new game after two

Bickle was once again tested early to start the second period but stayed strong to hold the Isles lead.

Conor Shortall then gave the Isles another chance on the power play after a hooking penalty.

There was chaos in the crease early in the man advantage but Ruccia managed to stop four chances in a row from the top power play unit.

The Eagles managed to kill off the penalty despite allowing five shots.

Shortly after the penalty expired, Xavier Daigle tied it for Cape Breton. His fourth of the year was a swing in momentum in favour of the Eagles

They took the lead less than a minute later after a shot went over the glove of Bickle from the stick of Cam MacDonald.

The Isles trailed for the first time as the Eagles scored twice in just 46 seconds.

Romeo then took another penalty, giving the Isles their third chance on the power play of the evening.

Though they couldn't score while a man up, the pressure gained from the power play led to a goal.

Matthew Butler (6) found a loose puck back-door and ripped it through Ruccia to even the game at two goals apiece. Isaac Vos (17) assisted.

Jacob Newcombe took a boarding penalty to end the second period, giving the Isles another chance on the man advantage to open the final frame.

Shots were tied at 19 apiece after two periods.

Ruccia and the Eagles were able to kill off the Islanders' power play to open the third stanza.

Cape Breton started to push.

They chipped shot after shot on goal but Bickle stood his ground. Powers and Vos were playing physical as well, both laying open ice hits.

Despite the physicality though, Romeo broke through. His eighth goal in 12 games restored the Eagles lead.

Michael Horth and Butler each had chances on goal but Ruccia continued his efforts to keep the lead for the Eagles.

Then, MacDonald scored his second goal of the night off the rush while Romeo secured his second point of the night with his assist.

That was the last shot the Eagles would take. Charlottetown fired 10 straight shots. Chances from Cole Huckins, Simon Hughes, Michaud, Horth, Butler and Kearsey were all turned away by Ruccia to end the game.

The Eagles snuck away with a 4-2 win despite being outshot 35-27.

These teams will meet again tomorrow night in Sydney, NS at the Centre 200. Puck drop is at 7 p.m.agles

Check out the Charlottetown Islanders Statistics

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Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Stories from February 2, 2024


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