Top Eagles in Overtime After Wild Third Period

January 9, 2018 - Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)
Cape Breton Eagles News Release

There wasn't much in the way of scoring, or even scoring chances in the first period. Shots were 8-6 in the opening frame, and while the Eagles got into penalty trouble, they largely kept the Océanic in check. Rimouski would earn all four power plays in the opening twenty minutes, connecting on one when a Zavgorodniy shot bounced off the iron and in. One of the minor penalties was assessed to Cape Breton's Sacha Roy for instigation after he dropped the gloves against Louis-Philippe Denis.

It would be the Eagles earning the first two power plays of the middle period, but the home side couldn't score on either. In fact there was almost no scoring at all in the second frame until Alexis Lafrenière would score with 47 seconds to play. The goal would come with controversy, as at the other end of the ice the Rimouski net had been dislodged. Océanic goaltender Colten Ellis tried to catch the referee's attention but play went right on and Lafrenière would finish a three way, three touch passing play that would see Rimouski go ahead 2-0.

The Lafrenière goal was scored on Kyle Jessiman, who came in in relief of Kevin Mandolese who left the game with an injury in the middle period. Mandolese stopped 14 of 15 shots in his 34:22 of game action.

Rather than be rattled by the controversial Rimouski goal, Cape Breton came out firing in the third period and dominated the opening eight minutes, storming up to a 3-2 lead. Peyton Hoyt put the Eagles on the board by jabbing at the puck on a misplay by Ellis, and then less than a minute later at the 4:27 mark Declan Smith would tip a point shot on the power play to knot the game at 2. Océanic coach Serge Beausoleil would call a timeout to try to settle his troops, but it wouldn't have the desired effect.

Cape Breton would pull ahead before the eight minute mark on a passing between Ryan MacLellan. MacLellan would take the puck in the corner of the left side of the ice and throw it out in front to Olivier Bourret who put it under Ellis and gave the home team their first lead of the game.

There would be some more fireworks shortly after, as Parker Bowman was whistled for checking from behind for a hit on Cape Breton's Noah Laaouan. Roy came in to avenge his fallen teammate, and would be given a game misconduct for his second fight of the game. The Eagles would be down to four regular defenseman for the rest of the game as Laaouan would not play another shift, although forward Gabriel Proulx would drop back to serve as a defenseman for the balance of the game.

It looked as though the Eagles would have a come back victory but an individual effort from Zavgorodniy would send the game to overtime, with the equalising goal coming with 1:55 to play in regulation. Neither side could find a go ahead goal in regulation.

Overtime would be wide open, but wouldn't last long. Both teams would have their odd man rush chances but the winner would come on a 2 on 1 between Zavgorodniy and Jordan Lepage. After receiving a pass Zavgorodniy elected to keep and wired it over the shoulder of Jessiman to secure the win for Rimouski.

Ellis stopped 28 of 31 in picking up the win. Jessiman stopped six of nine in taking the loss in relief.

Saturday's game saw the debut of Screaming Eagles forward Isiah Campbell, who had been acquired earlier in the week from Saint John. The 17 year old forward registered 1 shot on goal, was a -1 and was given one minor penalty. Recently acquired forward Shaun Miller and defenseman Kyle Havlena did not arrive in time for the game, but are available to play in tomorrow's contest.

The Screaming Eagles finish their home stand with a Sunday afternoon game against the Baie-Comeau Drakkar.

DAIRY QUEEN THREE STARS OF THE GAME 1. Olivier Bourret (Cape Breton) 1 goal, 3 shots 2. Dmitry Zavgorodniy (RimouskI) 3 goals, +1 3. Ian Smallwood (Cape Breton) 1 assist, 1 hit.

Scratches For Cape Breton: Ross MacDougall (lower body injury), Shaun Miller (travel), Kyle Havlena (travel), Kyle McGrath, Justin Lazure.

Scratches For RimouskI: Yannik Bertrand (suspension), Chase Stewart (injury), Charle-Edouard (suspension).

Final Shots On Goal: 31-25 in favour of Cape Breton.

Cape Breton Power Play: 1/4.

Rimouski Power Play: 1/6

Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Stories from January 9, 2018

• Sea Dogs Announce 25-Player Roster for Second Half - Saint John Sea Dogs
• Halifax Mooseheads savour a 5-4 victory over the Saint John Sea Dogs - Saint John Sea Dogs
• Top Eagles in Overtime After Wild Third Period - Cape Breton Eagles
• SEA DOGS NAME BAILEY WEBSTER NEW CAPTAIN - Saint John Sea Dogs
• Sea Dogs Name Bailey Webster New Captain - Saint John Sea Dogs

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