QMJHL Charlottetown Islanders

Isles Look for Repeat Performance against Sea Dogs Saturday Night

Published on January 4, 2020 under Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)
Charlottetown Islanders News Release


The Charlottetown Islanders are Saint John Sea Dogs will know each other fairly well after this weekend, even more so after the two teams meet up once again on Saturday night.

Hot off the heels of an Islanders 4-1 victory over the Sea Dogs, the two teams will do it all over again just one night later. Cedric Desruisseaux scored twice in the victory while Matthew Welsh made 27 saves to secure his 116th career QMJHL victory. The win moved the Islanders (22-13-5-0) another point clear of the Rimouski Oceanic, who lost in a shootout last night, for 3rd place in the Eastern Conference standings.

Desruisseaux's two goals add to a recent hot stretch where the shifty forward has recorded nine points in his last nine games. Although his shooting percentage remains at a career low, Desruisseaux raised it by two full percentage points to 6.7% on the year, still a far cry from the 13% he had in his career heading in to this season.

Max-Antoine Melançon will return to the lineup after attending a family funeral. Brendon Clavelle (upper body) and Keiran Gallant (upper body) remain sidelined. Ethan Crossman's status remains uncertain following last night's incident with Josh Lawrence in the first period; the team awaits word on any additional discipline.

Matthew Welsh is expected to get his second straight start after a dominant performance. He sits sixth among qualified netminders with a .908 save percentage on the season and is fifth with a 2.62 goals-against-average.

Meanwhile the Sea Dogs (19-19-1-0) made a solid push in the final period of last night's game but to no avail. It's just the second loss in their last seven games for Saint John, who have come on strong and are now in the thick of things in the Eastern Conference, sitting sixth overall.

Charles Savoie was originally credited with his first career QMJHL goal in the loss; however, the goal has since been awarded to Josh Lawrence. Savoie, the 2019 2nd round pick, was called up for the second half of the season after a strong start with the Saint-Eustache Vikings of the Quebec Major Midget League.

Zachary Bouthillier put forth a great performance in goal for the Sea Dogs last night, making 27 saves in the loss. He's been a big part of his team's success as of late, working his way to a career-best .900 save percentage so far this season.

You can catch all of the action tonight live across the airwaves with George Matthews and Cory Arsenault on Ocean 100's Saturday Night Hockey! The game preview starts at 6:45 with puck drop set for 7:00pm!

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Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Stories from January 4, 2020


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