The Newfoundland Growlers were ruthless in front of the Trois-Rivières Lions, who paled in comparison by being defeated 5 to 2, Thursday night, at the Colisée Vidéotron. Eric Bélanger’s men will now face elimination.
On Tuesday, the Lions had ensured there would be a Game 5 by beating the Growlers at home thanks to a huge hat trick from Anthony Nellis. The dust quickly settled in Trois-Rivières, which once again allowed five or more goals, as in the first two duels of the series.
Goaltender Philippe Desrosiers took a beating in the second period when the Maritimes beat him three times in just over four minutes. Noel Hoefenmayer and Derian Plouffe even found the back of the net twice within 11 seconds.
The Lions gave life to the third period with goals from Justin Ducharme and Hayden Shaw, each time assisted by Peter Abbandonato, but the damage was done. Todd Skirving drove the final nail with a net into an empty cage.
Desrosiers made 22 saves in the loss, while opposite number Keith Petruzzelli blocked 29 shots.
The Growlers will have the opportunity to advance to the North Section final with a win on Saturday night at Mary Brown’s Centre.