Takeaways from Saint John's 5-3 win

Vincent Ethier/QMJHL

SAINT JOHN - Let us discuss what nobody wants to discuss one last time: Game 5 against the Rimouski Oceanic.

The Saint John Sea Dogs got off to horrendous start in that game, going down 2-0 less than seven minutes in. They couldn't keep up with Rimouski's speed and gave up way too many odd man rushes. The Sea Dogs managed to pull in front in the third period but let that lead slip away before losing in overtime.

The Sea Dogs didn't allow a repeat of Game 5 to happen on Monday night in their Memorial Cup opener.

The Sea Dogs got off to a strong start - which the team said they wanted to do - and led 1-0 just 2:17 in. They looked fast, which you would hope given the time they've had to train and get healthy. They also executed Gardiner MacDougall style hockey very well, being aggressive on the forecheck and doing a better job at getting sticks in lanes. They didn't let a third period lead slip away when the Hamilton Bulldogs got within a goal.

“We couldn’t have scripted it any better than to have scored the first goal,” MacDougall said after Saint John's 5-3 win. “Guys were excited to play. Any time that you are the host, you want to build momentum. You look at the building tonight and it was a great atmosphere.”

It was an impressive showing by the Sea Dogs, one that most followers of this team knew was possible. To see Saint John execute so well in such an important game is a good sign. Confidence is no doubt high on the Sea Dogs this morning - and deservingly so.

The Sea Dogs, who had 38 days away from game action, were able to use that rest to their advantage against a team that won a Game 7 just a few days prior. The Bulldogs looked tired and beaten up at times and will no doubt hope for a better showing in their next game.

"The Sea Dogs did not see the best version of the Hamilton Bulldogs tonight," said head coach Jay McKee after the game.

Hamilton will not practice Tuesday. The OHL champs return to game action Thursday against the Shawinigan Cataractes.

HIGHLIGHTS

Ryan Francis scored twice and Philippe Daoust had three assists as the host @SJSeaDogs beat Hamilton 5-3 in the first game of the 2022 #MemorialCup presented by @KiaCanada! pic.twitter.com/rOZw4b6hbb

— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) June 21, 2022

POST-GAME

BASH ON THE BAY

Classified performing in a Sea Dogs jersey under much better circumstances this time around.

Pre-game 🎶, presented by @EnvisionGSJ, courtesy of Zamani and Classified! pic.twitter.com/gfqAzVSPEp

— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) June 21, 2022

TURK IN THE BUILDING

Gerard Gallant joining ⁦@LauraDiakun⁩ and ⁦@CraigJButton⁩ for the 2nd intermission on TSN. pic.twitter.com/W1RZLgFmar

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 20, 2022

You can watch Gerard Gallant's interview with TSN here.

SPECIAL TEAMS

There were just three penalties called the entire game. Hamilton took advantage of their opportunities, going 2/2 on the power play. The Bulldogs' third goal came during a five-on-four with their goaltender pulled.

Notably, Saint John's penalty kill was quite good against Rimouski, going a perfect 17/17.

Saint John went 0/1 on the power play. 

Three of the four on-ice officials in Monday's game were from the QMJHL.

POSITIVE SIGNS

It was good to see some of Saint John's top offensive players breakthrough after that rough opening round series against Rimouski.

Raivis Ansons, who led Saint John in playoff scoring with five points, and Philippe Daoust each had three assists while Ryan Francis had two goals and an assist. One of Francis' goals was originally given to Ansons but later changed.

Brady Burns, who went pointless against Rimouski and was benched for much of Game 5, had an assist in Monday's game.

THE JERSEYS

Vincent Ethier/QMJHL

How nice were these? The auction is live.

ALL-TIME VS OHL

The Sea Dogs are now 4-4 all-time against teams from the OHL at the Memorial Cup.

2011 vs Mississauga: 4-3 win

2011 vs Owen Sound: 3-2 win (OT)

2011 vs Mississauga: 3-1 win

2012 vs London: 5-3 loss

2017 vs Windsor: 3-2 loss

2017 vs Erie: 12-5 loss

2017 vs Erie: 6-3 loss

2022 vs Hamilton: 5-3 win

OTHER THINGS

• How big was that Nikolas Hurtubise save in the second period?
• The last time the Sea Dogs won their Memorial Cup opener? 2011.
• The Sea Dogs are now 2-0 in games where Maestro Fresh Wes performs and have outscored opponents 19-5.
• Lots of celebrities in the building last night, including Moncton Wildcats owner Robert Irving, Wildcats general manager Ritchie Thibeau and Charlottetown Islanders head coach and general manager Jim Hulton.
• A lot of people noticed that TSN referred to TD Station as Harbour Station. This was intentionally done due to a CHL sponsorship thing (the CHL is sponsored by CIBC). If you pay close attention, you'll notice at this summer's world juniors that the Bell owned TSN will never refer to Edmonton's arena as Rogers Place.
• Also saw some comments asking why media continue to wear masks when interviewing players. This is a CHL rule.
• Attendance was not announced but it did not appear that the game was sold out.
• The 50/50 winner took home $15,330. 50/50 tickets can be purchased online here.