RIMOUSKI | The day after a loss in overtime against the same Drakkar, the Océanic needed the shootout to save themselves with the victory, Sunday afternoon, in Rimouski.
Xavier Filion, who absolutely had to score in the third round of the shootout, literally stripped Baie-Comeau goalkeeper Olivier Ciarlo.
“My idea was made before leaving. It was a great relief to score,” he said.
Patrik Hamrla then blocked Charles-Antoine Dumont and Marshall Lessard while Julien Béland gave the Océanic a 2-1 victory thanks to a nice backhand feint.
“It was a very tight game. The Drakkar is a very well structured team. Our puck management was better today. Our start to the game was very solid. The guys wanted to bounce back,” analyzed Océanic head coach Serge Beausoleil.
No first goal
The first period was fairly divided, as indicated by the 12-9 shots in favor of the Océanic. The hosts had a few good chances early in the game, but were unable to take advantage of a power play, which inspired the visitors who pressed on afterwards.
We had to wait until the sixth minute of the second engagement to see a first goal. 16-year-old forward Justin Poirier (22nd) gave the Drakkar the lead.
The Océanic then passed a penalty for having had too many players on the ice, Patrik Hamrla making a few good saves.
This inspired the Océanic, who took advantage of a power play to tie the game 1-1 on a one-timer shot by Jan Sprynar, well fueled by Luke Coughlin and Alexandre Blais.
“Three Océanic players who should play together for a very long time,” said Serge Beausoleil.
Baie-Comeau satisfied
Drakkar head coach Jean-François Grégoire was pleased with three points in two games in Rimouski.
“It was two hard-fought games by two teams that wanted to do well. It’s the first time we’ve had a nearly full roster since the holidays. Our young people are progressing well. It’s learning for us,” he commented.
►The Remparts will be the next visitors to the Colisée Financière Sun Life in Rimouski on Thursday.