RIMOUSKI | Xavier Cormier scored with two seconds left in overtime to give the Océanic a 4-3 win over the Drummondville Voltigeurs on Wednesday night in Rimouski.
• Read also: QMJHL: and seven for the Remparts!
• Read also: The Océanic weakened by influenza
• Read also: Another major challenge for the Drakkar
Jacob Mathieu had set the tone with two goals in the first period for the winners.
The other winners’ net came from Alex Drover on his return after being out for several weeks with injury.
The Voltigeurs’ counterpart came from Sam Oliver, Jérémy Lapointe and Jacob Dion.
The Océanic completely dominated the first period as indicated by the number of shots of 12 against 2 in favor of the locals.
Despite everything, it was the Voltigeurs who opened the scoring at 42 seconds when Sam Oliver (22nd) took advantage of a turnover from the Océanic in defensive territory to beat Patrik Hamrla with a perfect shot into the top corner.
Two goals from Jacob Mathieu
The retort came less than three minutes later on Jacob Mathieu’s 21st of the season as the Océanic buzzed into visitor territory. Mathieu did it again a few minutes later when he received a skillful pass from Xavier Cormier coming off the bench to give the Océanic the lead.
Shortly after, Serge Beausoleil’s men were unable to take advantage of a double numerical superiority of almost two minutes.
Midway through the second period, Alex Drover (12th) doubled the Océanic lead, on assists from Luke Coughlin and Louis Robin.
The Voltigeurs were more threatening in the second, especially during a power play, but goalkeeper Patrik Hamrla blocked everything.
Drummondville put pressure on in the third period and the team managed to reduce the deficit to one goal on a high quality wrist shot from Jérémy Lapointe.
Going six-on-five, Jacob Dion tied the game 3-3 with 35 seconds left in the third, pushing both teams into overtime.
In short
Serge Beausoleil’s men were deprived of six players.
Defenders Mathis Gauthier and Mathis Aguilar, goalkeeper Gabriel Robert and forward Alexandre Lefebvre are all suffering from influenza while Charles Côté and Julien Béland are still injured. It was Cédric Massé, of the Rivière-du-Loup Albatross, who assisted starting goaltender Patrik Hamrla.