The Wildcats scored four goals on just 18 shots in the first two periods to take the opening game of the second round playoff series. While Moncton's offense made the most of their chances, goaltender Jacob Steinman was star of the match, making some huge stops to carry Moncton to victory. The rookie netminder made 39 saves and held a shutout into the final half of the third period.
The Wildcats were able to keep Halifax's big three of Jordan Dumais, Josh Lawrence and Alexandre Doucet of the scoresheet for the most part. Lawrence and Doucet recorded assists on Brady Schultz's goal at 14:16 of the third period.
There are two former Saint John Sea Dogs in this series: Lawrence and Moncton's Connor Trenholm.
The Moncton win makes for a much more intriguing series as the favoured Mooseheads will need to rebound from this loss. Game 2 is Saturday night in Halifax.
A few other notes...
- It's worth mentioning that the Moncton/Halifax series has a bit of a funky schedule. Following Game 2 on Saturday, Games 3 and 4 will be played Wednesday and Thursday in Moncton. Game 5 won't be until Sunday afternoon in Halifax with Game 6 scheduled for the following Monday in Moncton and Game 7 on Wednesday back in Halifax.
- Wildcats defenseman Natan Grenier, a first-round pick of Saint John in 2021 who was traded to Moncton in the Philippe Daoust deal, scored his first career playoff goal - which proved to be the game-winner.
- The Gatineau Olympiques shutout the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies 5-0 to take Game 1. Cam MacDonald scored his fourth goal (an empty netter) of the playoffs in the win. Thomas Couture allowed five goals on 39 shots in the loss.
- Joshua Roy had a goal and an assist in the Sherbrooke Phoenix's 7-3 Game 1 win over the Drummondville Voltigeurs.
- Charles Savoie and the Quebec Remparts defeated those pesky Rimouski Oceanic 6-3 to take a 1-0 series lead.
Top match;)
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