(Saint-Jean) Led by captain Mavrik Bourque, the Shawinigan Cataractes became the first team to ensure their participation in at least the semi-final of the Memorial Cup.
Posted at 9:59 p.m.
Bourque had a goal and two assists, Olivier Nadeau hit the target on the power play in the third period and the QMJHL champions defeated the Hamilton Bulldogs 3-2 on Thursday at TD Station.
Labeled as underdogs before the tournament, the Cataractes (2-0-0-0) sit first in the standings with six points, ahead of the Saint John Sea Dogs (1-0-1-0, 4 pts), the Edmonton Oil Kings (0-1-0-1, 2 pts) and the Bulldogs (0-0-0-2, 0 pts).
“I’ve said it before, but we believe in ourselves,” Bourque said. We are here to have fun. We have a nice gang of guys. And when we’re on the ice, we’re doing our job. »
Saturday’s duel between the Cataractes and the Sea Dogs will determine which team advances directly to the final on Wednesday. The loser will have to go through the semifinals on Monday against the Oil Kings or the Bulldogs, who meet on Friday.
“The guys are giving inspired performances and they’re committed to their teammates and the team, to a certain way of playing,” said assistant coach Pascal Dupuis. It’s such a tight-knit group. »
Xavier Bourgault also had a goal and two assists for the Cataractes. Antoine Coulombe stopped 38 shots in his first outing of the tournament.
“Of course there is a competition between the goalkeepers, but “Lavy” (Charles-Antoines Lavallée) and I have a good relationship, underlined Coulombe. It made me feel bad not to start the tournament. I wanted to bounce back tonight. »
On the side of the Bulldogs, champions of the OHL, Mason McTavish and Avery Hayes moved the ropes. Marco Costantini made 31 saves.
The Cataractes’ power play has taken its toll, generating three goals in seven opportunities.
“There were a few decisions in the third period, in a 2-2 game, that I didn’t really like, especially the one that led to the game-winning goal,” admitted Bulldogs head coach Jay McKee. But that’s hockey.
“They made good plays on the power play. Even though we had studied them on video, their execution was splendid. […] But we cannot be frustrated. I liked our effort. »
It was the Bulldogs who dictated the game early in the game, firing 11 of the first 12 shots on goal.
They took the opportunity to take the lead at 5:08, during a two-man power play. McTavish hit home with a good one-timer shot.
The Cataractes quickly turned things around by hitting twice on the power play. Bourgault first took advantage of a perfect pass from Bourque to tie the game at 6:47.
Bourque then put the Cataractes ahead at 11:42, three seconds into a two-man power play. The Dallas Stars prospect unleashed a powerful one-timer that gave Costantini no chance.
Meanwhile, Coulombe had been lucky when a shot from Jan Mysak leapt into the air after hitting his shoulder. The disc fell behind him, but in his panties. He thus deprived a goal to the hope of the Montreal Canadiens.
“I felt it (the puck) and I knew I had to get off the line,” said Coulombe, who was saved by having the back of his jersey inside his pants. .
“I never tie the strap. I’m doing well, ”he added, tongue-in-cheek.
The second period was less lively, but the Bulldogs nevertheless tied the game with 2:32 to go. Artem Grushnikov fired a long shot from the point, but the disc deflected off Hayes’ stick blade and Coulombe was unable to adjust at the last moment to make the save.
The Cataractes responded 25 seconds later, but the goal was quickly canceled as Daniel Agostino made contact with the Bulldogs goaltender.
It was only a postponement, since the Cataracts’ power play started up again early in the third period. Nadeau completed a perfect passing game started by Bourgault and Bourque at 7:06, giving the Mauricie team a 3-2 lead.
Coulombe and the Cataractes defense were able to close the door to the Bulldogs afterwards.