The Semi-Finals Are Getting Good

How about those Stanley Cup Playoffs? They’ve been something else, haven’t they? But let me tell ya, the QMJHL’s President Cup semi-finals have suddenly gotten quite good as well.

After dropping the first two games on home ice, the Halifax Mooseheads went into Val-d’Or and stole two games to tie things up at 2-2. The Moose scored five unanswered goals to win Game 3, 6-5, in overtime on Tuesday and hung on for a 5-4 win in regulation time last night.

Halifax’s goaltending situation is an interesting storyline heading into Game 5 Saturday night at the Metro Centre. Zach Fucale was pulled after allowing three goals on four shots in Game 3 and hasn’t played since. Kevin Darveau made 26 saves on Tuesday and 31 last night.

Following Saturday’s Game 5, the series shifts back to Val-‘Or for Game 6 on Monday. Game 7, if needed, would be Tuesday night in Halifax.

In the other semi-final series, Baie-Comeau, like Val-d’Or, has blown their 2-0 series lead. The Blainville-Boisbriand Armada evened the series with wins on home ice on Tuesday and Wednesday night.

Former Sea Dogs forward Ryan Tesink has two assists so far in the series. Game 5 is tomorrow night in Baie-Comeau.

The Drakkar and Mooseheads are looking to reach the President Cup Final for a second straight season. The Foreurs have not been to the Final since 2007 when they lost 4-0 to the Lewiston MAINEiacs. The Armada/Junior/Fog Devils franchise has never made it further than the semi-finals.

If the Mooseheads do not reach the Final, it would mark the first time since 2009 a Maritime team has not played in it.