Sea Dogs racing for playoff spot again

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

The good news: it looks like the Saint John Sea Dogs will be playing some meaningful games down the stretch.

The bad news: making the playoffs is not a guarantee.

Saint John's recent slide (they're 3-7 in their last 10 games) has moved them into a logjam with the Quebec Remparts and Gatineau Olympiques for the QMJHL's final playoff spots.

With less than two months remaining in the QMJHL's regular season, here's how the bottom of the standings currently stand.

The top 16 teams in the overall standings will qualify for the post-season. It's still possible for the Val-d'Or Foreurs to make a run, but they are sliding out of it thanks to a 13-game losing streak.

Right now, it looks like Saint John, Gatineau and Quebec will be battling for the final spots. There's still time to catch the likes of Charlottetown and Shawinigan though — which could make for an even more interesting race.

Gatineau has been playing like a different team since the calendar flipped. The Olympiques are 7-2-1-0 in their last 10 and a lot of their success is thanks to former Sea Dogs defenseman Mathis Gauthier, who has been putting up numbers since being traded.

Saint John will host the Olympiques on Feb. 17 and visit Quebec on Feb. 23.

The Sea Dogs were in a playoff race last year as well, grabbing the No. 15 seed with a 24-38-5-1 record for 54 points. 

The Remparts, meanwhile, haven't missed the playoffs since 1993 when they were the Beauport Harfangs. The Olympiques have not missed the playoffs since 1984.

There are a couple other interesting races developing. In the Western Conference, Drummondville (67 points), Rouyn-Noranda (65) and Victoriaville (61) are battling for top spot. In the Maritimes Division, Halifax (66) has pulled ahead of Moncton (58) but Cape Breton (54) is on their tail.

The Baie-Comeau Drakkar still sit fairly comfortably first overall in the QMJHL standings with 78 points.

Notebook: Cajkovic traded to Pens

Former Saint John Sea Dogs forward Maxim Cajkovic was involved in a minor NHL trade on Thursday.

The Minnesota Wild traded Cajkovic to the Pittsburg Penguins in exchange for defenseman Will Butcher.

The Penguins have acquired forward Maxim Cajkovic from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for defenseman Will Butcher.

Cajkovic is signed through the 2023.24 season and his contract carries an average annual value of $925,000 at the NHL level.

Details: https://t.co/6OKKAyRBkW pic.twitter.com/dJSsBmkGmw

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) January 25, 2024

According to the Penguins, "Cajkovic is signed through the end of the 2023-24 season and his contract carries an average annual value of $925,000 at the NHL level." The 23-year-old has yet to appear in an NHL game and has split his pro career bouncing between the AHL and ECHL,

In 20 games with the ECHL's Iowa Heartlanders this season, Cajkovic has 12 goals and six assists. He's also recorded two goals and an assist in five games with the AHL's Iowa Wild.

Cajkovic spent the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons with the Sea Dogs before playing his final year of junior with the Val-d'Or Foreurs.

REYNOLDS INJURED

Former Sea Dogs forward Peter Reynolds was injured in Friday's Halifax Mooseheads game.

Forward Peter Reynolds is officially out for the game with an upper body injury. #GoMooseGo

— Halifax Mooseheads (@HFXMooseheads) January 27, 2024

Reynolds left the ice with an apparent arm/shoulder injury and did not return. He did not dress for Sunday's game and the Mooseheads have him listed as "week-to-week" with a return possible in mid-February.

The overage forward has a goal and seven assists in 10 games with the Mooseheads.

Recap: Sea Dogs lose 7-1

FINAL: Saint John 1, Gatineau 7

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

GATINEAU, QC - The Saint John Sea Dogs wrapped up their three-in-three Quebec road trip with a 7-1 loss to the Gatineau Olympiques on Sunday.

The Sea Dogs had a decent start to the game, outshooting the Olympiques 5-1 at one point. But once Gatineau got going they didn't stop. The home side scored in the dying seconds of the first period and added four more in the second to take control of the match.

The Olympiques have now won seven of their past nine games as they try and grab one of the league's final playoff spots.

The Sea Dogs, meanwhile, have lost five of their past six games and head home with a 1-2-0-0 record on this three-game trip.

Nathan Levesque and Justin Boisselle each scored a pair of goals for Gatineau while singles came from Sander Wold, Jeremie Minville and William Labranche.  Zach Pelletier made 22 saves in the win.

Eriks Mateiko scored Saint John's lone goal, which came in the third period. Patrick Leaver, who less than 24 hours ago made 47 saves in Saint John's 7-4 win in Victoriaville, made 20 stops in the first two periods. Justin Robinson played the third and made five saves.

Game Day 47: at Gatineau

GATINEAU, QC - The Saint John Sea Dogs will try and complete a winning road trip this afternoon at Slush Puppie Centre.

The Sea Dogs began their three-in-three Quebec road trip on Friday night with a 5-3 loss in Shawinigan but followed that up with a big 7-4 upset win in Victoriaville last night. Patrick Leaver was the star of last night's contest, making 47 stops in the victory.

An interesting matchup awaits the Sea Dogs today. On paper, this is the "easiest" game of this road trip. But this will be the club's third game in less than 72 hours and they'll be facing a Gatineau squad that is an impressive 6-3-1-0 in their last 10 games.

Game time today is 4 p.m. Atlantic.

TV/Radio/Stream: None/None/CHL TV

2023-24 regular season records: The Sea Dogs are 16-24-3-3 for 38 points (sixth Maritimes/ninth Eastern/15th QMJHL) while the Olympiques are 15-26-3-2 for 35 points (third West/seventh Western/16th QMJHL).

Last games: The Sea Dogs are coming off a 7-4 win in Victoriaville last night. Pavel Simek and Tyler Peddle scored twice while singles came from Egan Beveridge, Drew Elliott and Brody Fournier. Patrick Leaver made 47 saves in the win. The Olympiques are coming off a 5-4 overtime loss to the Drummondville Voltigeurs on Friday. Justin Boisselle, Sander Wold, William Labranche and Nathan Lévesque scored for Gatineau. Zach Pelletier made 25 saves in the loss.

Recap: Sea Dogs win 7-4

FINAL: Saint John 7, Victoriaville 4

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

VICTORIAVILLE, QC - For the second time this month, the Saint John Sea Dogs pulled off an upset win over the Victoriaville Tigres.

The Sea Dogs grabbed a 5-0 second period lead and went on to defeat the Tigres — one of the QMJHL's top teams — by a final score of 7-4 on Saturday night at Colisee Desjardins. Saint John previously defeated Victoriaville 2-1 on Jan. 13 at TD Station.

While the final score was lopsided in favour of the Sea Dogs, shots were not. Patrick Leaver faced 51 shots in the win and was named the game's first star. Victoriaville had 21 shots in the second period and 20 in the third.

The Sea Dogs were opportunistic with their chances, scoring four times on 14 shots in the opening frame. Overall, Gabriel D'Aigle allowed six goals on 24 shots in the loss. D'Aigle may have been pulled if Nathan Darveau was dressed — but he was listed as a healthy scratch due to a "school suspension."

Pavel Simek and Tyler Peddle each had a pair of goals for Saint John while Egan Beveridge, Drew Elliott and Brody Fournier added solo markers. Eriks Mateiko, Nate Tivey and Joseph Ianniello all had three assists each. 

Maxime Pellerin scored twice for Victoriaville while Mathis Aguilar and Justin Larose added singles.

The victory ended a four-game losing streak for Saint John. Victoriaville, meanwhile, has dropped back-to-back games as they try and chase down a higher playoff seed.

Game Day 46: at Victoriaville

VICTORIAVILLE, QC - The Saint John Sea Dogs will face a major challenge tonight as they play the second game of a three-game Quebec road trip.

The Victoriaville Tigres are one of the top teams in the QMJHL this season and sit just six points back of second-place Drummondville. They are also an impressive 17-3-1-0 at home this season.

The Sea Dogs, meanwhile, lost their fourth straight game on Friday. They remain just 2-7-0-1 in their last 10 games.

Game time at Colisee Desjardins is 7 p.m. Atlantic.

TV/Radio/Stream: None/None/CHL TV

2023-24 regular season records: The Sea Dogs are 15-24-3-3 for 36 points (sixth Maritimes/ninth Eastern/15th QMJHL) while the Tigres are 29-12-3-0 for 61 points (second Central/third Western/fifth QMJHL).

Last games: The Sea Dogs are coming off a 5-3 loss in Shawinigan last night. Eriks Mateiko, Coen Miller and Drew Elliott scored for Saint John. Justin Robinson made 32 stops in the loss. The Tigres are coming off a 5-4 loss in Boisbriand last night. Justin Larose and Maxime Pellerin both scored twice. Nathan Darveau made 35 stops in the loss.

Recap: Sea Dogs lose 5-3

FINAL: Saint John 3, Shawinigan 5

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

SAINT JOHN - The Saint John Sea Dogs made a game of it but fell 5-3 to the Shawinigan Cataractes on Friday night at Centre Gervais Auto.

The Sea Dogs entered the third period down 4-1 and were getting outshot 26-10 through 40 minutes, once again struggling to create scoring chances. But a Coen Miller goal at 2:36 and a Drew Elliott marker at 9:26 got Saint John within a goal. 

Just as it seemed momentum might be shifting in Saint John's favour, Reece Peitzsche scored to make it a 5-3 game and that was how the night would end.

Shots ended 37-18 in favour of Shawinigan. Saint John only had seven dangerous shots.

Former Sea Dogs forward Vince Elie was named the game's first star with a goal and an assist. Along with Elie and Peitzsche, Éli Baillargeon, Felix Lacerte and Jiri Klima scored. Mathys Fernandez made 15 saves in the win.

Eriks Mateiko also scored for Saint John. Justin Robinson made 32 saves in the loss.

This was Saint John's fourth straight defeat. They continue their three-game Quebec road trip on Saturday night against the Victoriaville Tigres.

Game Day 45: at Shawinigan

SHAWINIGAN, QC - The Saint John Sea Dogs begin a three-in-three Quebec road trip tonight.

The Sea Dogs kick things off with a 8 p.m. matchup in Shawinigan this evening, facing a Cataractes club that sits just five points ahead of them in the standings.

On Saturday, the Sea Dogs travel to Victoriaville to face the Tigres and wrap things up in Gatineau on Sunday afternoon with an afternoon tilt against the surging Olympiques.

The Sea Dogs enter this road trip on a three-game losing streak and a 2-7-0-1 record in their last 10 games.

TV/Radio/Stream: None/None/CHL TV

2023-24 regular season records: The Sea Dogs are 15-23-3-3 for 36 points (sixth Maritimes/ninth Eastern/15th QMJHL) while the Cataractes are 19-22-2-1 for 41 points (fourth Central/sixth Western/13th QMJHL).

Last games: The Sea Dogs are coming off a 5-2 loss in Cape Breton on Saturday. Brody Fournier and Coen Miller scored for Saint John. Patrick Leaver made 43 saves in the loss. The Cataractes are coming off a 5-2 loss in Bathurst on Saturday. Éli Baillargeon and Alexis Bonefon scored for Shawinigan. Felix Hamel made 19 stops in the loss.

Was this the last CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game?

Daniel St. Louis/CHL

Was Wednesday's CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game the last?

It certainly looks like it could have been.

Sportsnet's Jeff Marek reported Thursday morning that the plan is to replace the event with a two-game series between the best from the CHL and the best from the United States.

CHL News - sounds like last night's CHL/NHL Top Prospects game will be the final one. Look for the event to be replaced with a two-game series between the best prospects in the CHL vs the best prospects in the U.S.

— Jeff Marek (@JeffMarek) January 25, 2024

This has long been a dream for many junior hockey and prospect followers and would be a welcome breath of fresh air in an event cycle that hasn't had many new additions in recent years.

The concept of the Top Prospects Game is a good one, but there likely wasn't anyone leaving the Avenir Centre on Wednesday blown away by the entertainment value. The all-star game style format just doesn't bring the intensity — or the atmosphere — that a league vs league or country vs country event would bring out.

The timing of this is certainly interesting with the NCAA continuing to take a beating in court and the western portion of the CJHL seemingly falling apart. It's believed there is a very strong possibility that the NCAA may be forced to remove its long-standing eligibility requirement where CHL players lose college hockey eligibility. This would be a major shakeup in the hockey development world — and would also allow for more cross-border events. This new event may not be related to any of this, but it's worth noting if the CHL is starting to look at some new things.

This will be an interesting period for the CHL with new commissioners either here or on the way for all three leagues.

Team Red takes Top Prospects Game

Daniel St. Louis/CHL

MONCTON - Raoul Boilard of the Baie-Comeau Drakkar scored twice to lift Team Red to a 3-1 win over Team White at the 2024 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game at Avenir Centre on Wednesday.

Boilard scored the game-winner just 5:52 into the third period, getting the puck across the line on a scramble in the crease. He secured the win with an empty net goal late in the frame.

Ben Danford of the Oshawa Generals also scored for Team Red.

Ryerson Leenders of the Mississauga Steelheads allowed a goal on 20 shots in the first half of the game. Lukas Matecha of the Tri-City Americans stopped all 19 shots he faced in the second half of the match.

Liam Greentree of the Windsor Spitfires scored the lone goal for Team White.

Carter George of the Owen Sound Attack allowed a goal on 12 shots in the first half of the game. Dawson Cowan of the Spokane Chiefs allowed a goal on 17 shots in the second half.

It was a fairly evenly played game throughout the night with shots ending 39-30 in favour of Team White. It wasn't the most offensively thrilling game — but there were a few posts hit.

Saint John Sea Dogs forward Eriks Mateiko, a member of Team Red, was held pointless but was on the ice for the empty net goal. He recorded three shots in the match while skating on the fourth line with Andrew Basha of the Medicine Hat Tigers and Nathan Villeneuve of the Sudbury Wolves.

CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game nearing

Daniel St. Louis/CHL

MONCTON - Eriks Mateiko and the rest of the players taking part in this year's CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game were on the Avenir Centre ice on Tuesday.

The event participants went through off- and on-ice testing along with a practice ahead of Wednesday's game. Mateiko finished with the fourth best time in the "30m forward skate with puck" drill, according to the CHL's results.

Mateiko in action.

Every time I filmed he hit a flag so I’d like to apologize for that. https://t.co/b9pXrebwnK pic.twitter.com/gIUlN2TZE4

— Jamie Tozer (@station_nation) January 23, 2024

The Top Prospects Game isn't a make-or-break event for this year's NHL Draft class, but a strong performance can certainly get you some more attention down the stretch.

"I know there will be people watching from Latvia and it's really exciting."

The @SJSeaDogs' Eriks Mateiko is excited to represent his native 🇱🇻 at the 2024 #CHLKTP. pic.twitter.com/bEDaizShNJ

— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) January 22, 2024

Tomas Lavoie and Eriks Mateiko comment following the first day of practice before the #CHLKTP. 🎥 @CBEHockey | @SJSeaDogs pic.twitter.com/jjLFt2C6NR

— QMJHL (@QMJHL) January 23, 2024

"In his second season in the QMJHL after playing in Latvia, Mateiko is a big 6’5" winger with a good all-around game and scoring touch," writes NHL Central Scouting, via the CHL. "He plays in all situations for Saint John; kills penalties and does well using his long reach and anticipation. Getting more time on the power play where he is a dual threat as a net front player and as a shooter. Smart getting to the openings and has a quality shot release which he can let go in stride. Skating stride is strong and delivers good speed, capable to pull away with the puck. Mateiko displays good puck skills and vision with his hockey sense to execute under pressure. The type of offensive player who can excel down low protecting the puck and playing an effective cycle game."

This year's CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game takes place at 7:30 p.m. in Moncton and can be seen on TSN.

A Monday in Moncton

CHL

MONCTON - Greetings from a very chilly Moncton, where players have arrived for Wednesday's CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.

Saint John Sea Dogs forward Eriks Mateiko was officially added to the event's roster on Monday along with Nathan Villeneuve of the Sudbury Wolves. They will replace the injured Cayden Lindstrom of the Medicine Hat Tigers and Ryder Ritchie of the Prince Albert Raiders.

Mateiko's appearance in the event allows for a rare occurrence: a Sea Dogs jersey hanging in the Moncton Wildcats dressing room.

Set-up ✅ #CHLKTP pic.twitter.com/80YXrGYP6E

— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) January 22, 2024

Both teams will hold practices on Tuesday at Avenir Centre ahead of the Wednesday's 7:30 p.m. match.

A few other things to catch up on...

• Patrick Roy is now the head coach of the New York Islanders — and he's brining Gatineau Olympiques head coach Benoit Desrosiers with him, according to RDS (although the Islanders are pumping the brakes on this one). Desrosiers, a former assistant coach with Roy's Quebec Remparts, leaves a red hot Gatineau team racing for the league's final playoff spots. He'll reportedly be replaced by general manager Serge Beausoleil who will make his return behind a QMJHL bench.
• The Olympiques had their six-game winning streak end on Saturday with a 5-1 loss to the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies. The Halifax Mooseheads, meanwhile, had their home losing streak end on Saturday with a 3-2 victory over the Chicoutimi Sagueneens.
• After allowing shorthanded goals in three straight games, the Sea Dogs have given up a total of eight shorties on the season. Only the Sherbrooke Phoenix have allowed more with nine.
• Baie-Comeau's Justin Poirier, the younger brother of former Sea Dogs defenseman Jeremie Poirier, was left off the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game roster but enters the week as the QMJHL's leader in goals (34).
• One of the players to watch at Wednesday's game is London Knights defenseman Sam Dickinson, projected by many to be a top-10 pick in this year's NHL Draft. The Knights have won 14 straight games and sit first overall in the OHL standings.
• The UNB Reds won both of their games over the weekend to improve to 24-0 on the season. They host Saint Mary's and Acadia at home this weekend.
• A group in St. Stephen is in talks to bring an NCDC franchise to the community. According to The Saint Croix Courier, the ownership group involves Doug Holland, a former part-owner of the Sea Dogs.
• More drama involving the BCHL as five of the AJHL's biggest franchises have announced that they plan to join the "outlaw" league next season. The BCHL is currently playing its first season outside Hockey Canada.

Recap: Sea Dogs lose 5-2

FINAL: Saint John 2, Cape Breton 5

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

SYDNEY, NS - Special teams once again proved key as the Saint John Sea Dogs lost a third straight game on Saturday.

The Cape Breton Eagles went 1/4 on the power play and added a shorthanded goal in a 5-2 victory over the Sea Dogs at Centre 200. Saint John went 0/5 on the man advantage. 

The game never felt in doubt for Cape Breton, who scored twice in the first period and led 4-1 midway through the third. Shots in the game ended 48-21 in favour of the Eagles with Patrick Leaver having a busy night in the Saint John crease.

Olivier Houde had two goals and an assist to lead the Eagles while Cam MacDonald, Jacob Squires and Jacob Newcombe each had a goal and an assist. Jakub Milota made 19 saves in the win.

The Eagles, who were buyers at the deadline, have now won four straight as they try and move up the standings.

Saint John goals came from Brody Fournier and Coen Miller. Miller, who scored on a penalty shot late in the third period, had a goal and an assist in the game.

Game Day 44: at Cape Breton

SYDNEY, NS - The Saint John Sea Dogs will look to turn things around tonight against the Cape Breton Eagles.

The Sea Dogs are coming off back-to-back home losses and are just 2-7-0-1 in their last 10 games. Saint John has been decent on the road so far this season, posting an 8-8-1-1 record.

The Eagles have been playing well of late as they try and inch up the standings. They carry a three-game winning streak into tonight's match.

Game time at Centre 200 is 7 p.m.

TV/Radio/Stream: None/None/CHL TV

2023-24 regular season records: The Sea Dogs are 15-22-3-3 for 36 points (sixth Maritimes/ninth Eastern/15th QMJHL) while the Eagles are 23-18-1-1 for 48 points (third Maritimes/fourth Eastern/seventh QMJHL).

Last games: The Sea Dogs are coming off a 6-1 loss to the Shawinigan Cataractes on Thursday. Eriks Mateiko scored Saint John's lone goal. Justin Robinson made 22 saves in the loss. The Eagles are coming off a 3-0 win over the Chicoutimi Sagueneens on Thursday. Antoine Roy, Lucas Romeo and Charles-Antoine Lavallee scored for Cape Breton. Nicolas Ruccia made 29 saves in the shutout. 

Notebook: Roy scores first NHL goal

Embed from Getty Images

SAINT JOHN - Former Saint John Sea Dogs forward Joshua Roy netted his first career NHL goal on Wednesday.

Roy scored in the Montreal Canadiens' 3-2 win over the New Jersey Devils. The 20-year-old was playing in just his third NHL game after getting recalled from the AHL's Laval Rocket last week.

Roy, the first overall pick in the 2019 QMJHL Entry Draft, spent his first one-and-a-half seasons of junior hockey with the Sea Dogs before being traded to the Sherbrooke Phoenix.

SCHEDULE TALK

QMJHL commissioner Mario Cecchini spoke with the Wildcast Podcast on his trip through New Brunswick last week. Cecchini had a few interesting comments on potential changes to the league's schedule and the format for this year's QMJHL Entry Draft in Moncton.

Recap: Sea Dogs lose 6-1

FINAL: Shawinigan 6, Saint John 1

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

SAINT JOHN - A three-goal first period led the Shawinigan Cataractes to a 6-1 win over the Saint John Sea Dogs on Thursday at TD Station.

Shawinigan scored just 1:06 into the game and added two more late in the first. Saint John was awarded an early power play in the second but, just when it looked like the Sea Dogs might be able to grab some momentum, the Cataractes netted a shorthanded goal to make it 4-0.

Saint John controlled much of the play in the third period, outshooting Shawinigan 12-7. But it was too little, too late for the Sea Dogs as they could not find the scoreboard again. The Cataractes hit an empty net late in the frame and added another goal on top of that to make it a 6-1 final.

Felix Lacerte had a hat trick for Shawinigan while Jiri Klima, Jordan Tourigny and Noah McKinnon added singles. Former Sea Dogs forward Vince Elie, playing against his old team for the first time, added two assists. Felix Hamel made 25 saves in the win.

Eriks Mateiko scored for Saint John. Justin Robinson made 22 saves in the loss.

Special teams proved key in this one with Shawinigan going 2/6 on the power play (and scoring a shorthanded goal) while Saint John went 0/5.

The Sea Dogs conclude their five-game homestand with a 1-4 record as their troubles at TD Staton continue. They'll play their next eight games on the road.

Game Day 43: vs Cataractes

SAINT JOHN - The Saint John Sea Dogs are right back in action tonight in TD Station as they welcome Vince Elie and the Shawinigan Cataractes to town. It's the first meeting of the season between the two rival organizations.

The Sea Dogs are coming off a 6-3 loss to the Charlottetown Islanders last night at TD Station. The Cataractes, meanwhile, begin a three-in-three road trip with tonight's contest.

This will be Saint John's final home game until Feb. 15. They'll play the next eight games on the road.

Game time tonight is 7 p.m.

TV/Radio/Stream: None/Sea Dogs Radio/CHL TV

2023-24 regular season records: The Sea Dogs are 15-21-3-3 for 36 points (sixth Maritimes/ninth Eastern/15th QMJHL) while the Cataractes are 17-21-2-1 for 37 points (fourth Central/sixth Western/13th QMJHL).

Last games: The Sea Dogs are coming off a 6-3 loss to the Charlottetown Islanders last night. Tyler Peddle, Matteo Mann and Brody Fournier all scored for Saint John. Patrick Leaver made 29 saves in the loss. The Cataractes are coming off a 3-2 loss to the Gatineau Olympiques on Sunday. Jiri Klima and Natan Ethier scored for Shawinigan. Felix Hamel made 18 stops in the loss.

Recap: Sea Dogs lose 6-3

FINAL: Charlottetown 6, Saint John 3

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

SAINT JOHN - The Charlottetown Islanders ended a five-game losing streak on Wednesday at TD Station.

The Islanders scored three times in the third period to earn a 6-3 win. It was another close game between these two Maritimes Division rivals and, even though it resulted in a loss, was another good showing for this revamped Sea Dogs roster. The effort was definitely there.

William Shields scored a pair of goals for Charlottetown — including the game winner — while singles came from Giovanni Morneau, Anthony Flanagan, Simon Hughes and Alexis Michaud.

Carter Bickle made 37 saves in the win.

Tyler Peddle, Matteo Mann and Brody Fournier all scored for Saint John. Patrick Leaver allowed a few goals he'd no doubt like to have back, making 29 saves in the loss. 

Game Day 42 - vs Islanders

SAINT JOHN - Tonight could give us a good indication of just where this version of the Saint John Sea Dogs is at.

The Sea Dogs host the Charlottetown Islanders this evening at TD Station. Statistically, the two teams have been close all year. They've been close in head-to-head meetings as well. But those meetings were with the "old" Sea Dogs team. Tonight we'll see where Saint John's revamped roster stands against the Isles.

Saint John is coming off a home win while Charlottetown has dropped five straight games.

Game time tonight is 7 p.m.

TV/Radio/Stream: None/Sea Dogs Radio/CHL TV

2023-24 regular season records: The Sea Dogs are 15-20-3-3 for 36 points (sixth Maritimes/ninth Eastern/15th QMJHL) while the Islanders are 17-22-2-1 for 37 points (fifth Maritimes/eighth Eastern/14th QMJHL).

Last games: The Sea Dogs are coming off a 2-1 win over the Victoriaville Tigres on Saturday. Coen Miller and Nate Tivey scored for Saint John. Patrick Leaver made 35 saves in the win. The Islanders are coming off a 4-2 loss to the Quebec Remparts on Sunday. Michael Horth and Simon Hughes scored for Charlottetown. Carter Bickle made 27 saves in the loss.

Alumdate: McCluskey leads MHL in scoring

Embed from Getty Images

Carter McCluskey is off to a hot start with his new team.

The former Saint John Sea Dogs forward has four goals and two assists in three games with the Fredericton Red Wings, who recently traded for the 20-year-old. McCluskey now leads the Maritime Hockey League in both goals (33) and points (67).

The Red Wings feature a few former Sea Dogs. Defensemen Nathan Casey and Jake Tracey have been with the club all season while recent moves brought in forward Francis Woods and defenseman Jared Cosman.

Woods got into three games this season with the Sea Dogs and had most recently been with the CCHL's Rockland Nationals. Cosman, meanwhile, spent the first half with the Acadie-Bathurst Titan after spending all of last season in Saint John.

Here's a quick look at how former Sea Dogs are performing in the MHL this season.

Player	Team	GP	Goals	Assists	Points
Carter McCluskey	FRW	45	11	33	44
Zach Welsh	TRU	34	4	21	25
Cole Foston	MIR	21	10	11	21
Cael MacDonald	VAL	33	10	11	21
Jake Tracey	FRW	31	4	12	16
Ian Dickie	TRU	23	2	9	11
Nathan Casey	FRW	19	5	5	10
Jared Cosman	FRW	3	1	1	2
Francis Woods	FRW	2	0	0	0

Mateiko added to CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

Eriks Mateiko has been added to next week's CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in Moncton.

The Saint John Sea Dogs announced the edition Tuesday afternoon. Mateiko is presumably an injury substitution, likely replacing Medicine Hat Tigers forward Cayden Lindstrom who had surgery last week.

Mateiko is certainly worthy of a roster spot and was always high on the list of players who would slide in if there was an injury. The 18-year-old has 15 goals and 15 assists in 30 games with Saint John this season and just recently returned from playing with Team Latvia at the World Junior Hockey Championship.

The annual event features the top draft eligible players from across the CHL. It's not a great draft year for the QMJHL with just five players from the league taking part: defensemen Spencer Gill (Rimouski) and Tomas Lavoie (Cape Breton) along with forwards Mateiko (Saint John), Raoul Boilard (Baie-Comeau) and Maxim Masse (Chicoutimi).

There are a couple other Sea Dogs connections taking part in this year's game with former head coaches Gerard Gallant and Mike Kelly both being honourary coaches. Gallant will be part of Dan Lacroix's (Moncton) Team Red staff while Kelly will join Jim Hulton's (Charlottetown) Team White. 

The game takes place next Wednesday at Moncton's Avenir Centre at 7:30 p.m. The game can be seen on TSN.

Notebook: Crickard named to Youth Olympic Games staff

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

Saint John Sea Dogs head coach Travis Crickard has been named to Team Canada's coaching staff for the upcoming Winter Youth Olympic Games in South Korea.

The coaching staff is led by head coach Ryan Smith of the WHL's Spokane Chiefs. Former Blainville-Boisbriand Armada head coach Bruce Richardson will be the other assistant. 

According to the Team Canada press release, "men’s hockey will take place Jan. 27-31 (Days 8-12) at the Gangneung Hockey Centre. Team Canada opens the Youth Olympic tournament against host South Korea on Jan. 27 at 7 a.m. and will play Finland on Jan. 29 at 7 a.m. Semifinals will be played on Jan. 30, with the medal games set for Jan. 31."

Team Canada won bronze at the 2020 event in Switzerland.

The Canadian roster features a few of the top prospects available in this year's QMJHL Entry Draft — which is certainly notable from a Sea Dogs perspective. The roster includes defenseman Cameron Chartrand (Bishop Kearney Selects) along with forwards Tynan Lawrence (Shattuck-St. Mary’s) and Aiden O’Donnell (Dartmouth).

Lawrence is the younger brother for former Sea Dogs forward Josh Lawrence.

COMING UP

The Sea Dogs play three games this week — including a pair of back-to-back midweek home games.

Saint John hosts the Charlottetown Islanders on Wednesday and then Vince Elie and the Shawinigan Cataractes on Thursday. Both of those are 7 p.m. starts.

Following Thursday's game, the Sea Dogs will play eight straight games on the road. They won't be at TD Station again until Feb. 15.

On Saturday, the Sea Dogs will be on the road to face Cam MacDonald, Cole Burbidge and the Cape Breton Eagles at 7 p.m.

Sunday stuff: Reynolds, Elie score first goals with new teams

Halifax Mooseheads

At long last, Peter Reynolds scored his first goal as a member of the Halifax Mooseheads on Sunday.

The former Saint John Sea Dogs captain scored in Halifax's 4-3 overtime victory over the Moncton Wildcats at Avenir Centre.

His 1st Mooseheads goal brings a smile to the face of Peter Reynolds 😀

🚨 Reynolds (21) 9:18 2nd period
🍎 Denis | #GoMooseGo pic.twitter.com/iJukzS6Mx0

— Halifax Mooseheads (@HFXMooseheads) January 14, 2024

The 21-year-old, who now has 21 goals on the season, has a goal and four assists in six games with the Mooseheads. 

Halifax has been struggling of late — which includes a 3-2 home loss to the rebuilding Quebec Remparts on Saturday — but should get steadily better as their new acquisitions and world junior players begin to mesh with the team's existing roster.

Sunday's win over the Wildcats keeps the Mooseheads in top spot in the Maritimes Division. This could be a fun race down the stretch.

Former Sea Dogs forward Vince Elie, meanwhile, scored his first goal as a member of the Shawinigan Cataractes on Friday.

Pour revoir le premier but de Vince Élie dans l’uniforme des Cats! 👇🏼⚡️#JeSuisCataractes pic.twitter.com/dJghs1Jxpi

— Cataractes de Shawinigan (@Cataractes_Shaw) January 13, 2024

Elie has a goal and an assist in three games with the Cataractes.

Roy makes NHL debut with Habs

Embed from Getty Images 

Joshua Roy is the latest former Saint John Sea Dog to make his NHL debut.

Roy played 13:03 for the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday in their 2-1 overtime loss to the Edmonton Oilers at the Bell Centre. Roy finished the night with an even rating and no shots on goal.

Et c’est parti pour Joshua Roy! 🥹#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/S0oDz5WtNF

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) January 13, 2024

The 20-year-old is in his first full season of pro hockey, recording 12 goals and 18 assists in 34 AHL games with the Laval Rocket. He was called up to the Habs on Friday night.

Roy is coming off a pair of impressive seasons with the Sherbrooke Phoenix, recording 119 points in 66 games in 2021-22 and 99 points in 55 games last season. He would have reached triple-digits last season if not for his participation in the World Junior Hockey Championship — where he'll be remembered for quite some time for setting up Dylan Guenther's overtime goal in the gold medal game.

#Habs Martin St-Louis on Joshua Roy's #NHL debut: "I wanted him to get some reps, feel the game. I was definitely keeping him away from 29 & 97... I was pleased with what I saw for a first game, on a Saturday night in Montreal against an Edmonton team so it's good stuff."

— Priyanta Emrith (@HabsInHighHeels) January 14, 2024

Roy was selected first overall by the Sea Dogs in the 2019 QMJHL Entry Draft but was traded to Sherbrooke during the 2020-21 season. Roy has publicly criticized the Sea Dogs in the Quebec media in the past and is not a celebrated alumnus. 

He was taken in the fifth-round of the 2021 NHL Draft by the Canadiens and really found his game during the 2021-22 season. There's certainly potential for him to be a late round steal by the Habs.

Recap: Sea Dogs win 2-1

FINAL: Victoriaville 1, Saint John 2

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

SAINT JOHN - Patrick Leaver made 35 saves to help the Saint John Sea Dogs to a 2-1 upset win over the Victoriaville Tigres on Saturday at TD Station.

The Sea Dogs scored once in each of the first two periods and survived a third period push by the Tigres in the win. Shots in the third were 14-5 in favour of Victoriaville and 36-18 overall.

Despite the shot difference, it wasn't a greatly lopsided contest. The Sea Dogs were very much in this game, limiting quality scoring chances and were worthy of the two points. The Tigres, who sit fifth overall in the QMJHL standings and were riding a three-game winning streak, perhaps took their opponent a little too lightly — even after a wild game the night before in Bathurst.

The win snapped a four-game home losing streak for the Sea Dogs. Their last victory at TD Station was on Dec. 9.

Coen Miller and Nate Tivey scored for Saint John. Both goals came on the power play.

Egor Goriunov scored Victoriaville's lone goal halfway through the third.

Episode two of "Rising Tide" released

Episode two of "Rising Tide" has been released.

The series gives a behind the scenes look at the 2023-24 Saint John Sea Dogs, much like what many NHL teams have been producing in recent years.

Episode two begins with Saint John's home opener on Sept. 23 — which includes Bret "The Hitman" Hart's appearance in the team's dressing room — along with following the first few home matches of the season.

The full episode can be seen below.

The first episode, released in early December, really got fans more familiar with Sea Dogs head coach Travis Crickard. It also included some behind the scenes moments from Sea Dogs training camp; the day the leadership group was announced; and the season opener in Bathurst.

Game Day 41: vs Tigres

SAINT JOHN - The Saint John Sea Dogs will face a tough test tonight at TD Station.

The Victoriaville Tigres make their lone visit of the season to Saint John this evening. The Tigres currently sit fifth overall in the QMJHL standings and are in the conversation of being a Gilles Courteau Trophy contender.

The Sea Dogs have lost four straight home games heading into play tonight and are coming off a rough 4-0 loss to the Rimouski Oceanic on Thursday.

Game time this evening is 7 p.m.

TV/Radio/Stream: None/Sea Dogs Radio/CHL TV

2023-24 regular season records: The Sea Dogs are 14-20-3-3 for 34 points (sixth Maritimes/ninth Eastern/15th QMJHL) while the Tigres are 26-10-3-0 for 55 points (second Central/third Western/fifth QMJHL).

Last games: The Sea Dogs are coming off a 4-0 loss to the Rimouski Oceanic on Thursday. Patrick Leaver made 40 saves in the loss. The Tigres are coming off a wild 8-7 overtime win in Bathurst last night, which saw them blow a 4-0 first period lead. Joseph Henneberry had four goals; Tommy Cormier two goals; and singles came from Noah Warren and Egor Goriunov. Gabriel D'Aigle made 17 saves in the win.

Mateiko 36th in midterm rankings

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

Saint John Sea Dogs forward Eriks Mateiko was ranked 36th amongst North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting's midterm rankings, which were released Friday.

Mateiko was given a 'C' grading in Central Scouting's October rankings, meaning he was considered a candidate to be selected in the fourth- or fifth-round.

The 18-year-old is having another strong season with the Sea Dogs, recording 15 goals and 15 assists in 29 games. Thursday's contest against the Rimouski Oceanic was his first QMJHL game since early December due to his participation in the World Junior Hockey Championship.

Mateiko recorded a goal in five games with Team Latvia at this year's world juniors, a squad that struggled to generate offense throughout the tournament.

MOOSE 🫎

Eriks Mateiko comes in at #36 on the @NHLCentralScout Midterm Rankings for NA skaters!#GoDogsGo pic.twitter.com/y5hBUWaoLB

— Saint John Sea Dogs (@SJSeaDogs) January 12, 2024

No other current Sea Dogs were included in Central Scouting's rankings. Draft picks Joseph Monteiro, who is playing in the BCHL, was ranked 160th while William Felicio, playing in the USHL, was ranked 196th.

Boston University's Macklin Celebrini was ranked first. Cayden Lindstrom of the Medicine Hat Tigers was the top-ranked CHL player at No. 3.

It's not expected to be a great NHL Draft for the QMJHL once again this year. 34 QMJHL players were included in the rankings with Chicoutimi's Maxim Masse the top-ranked player at No. 23.

The 2024 NHL Draft will take place June 28-29.

Recap: Sea Dogs lose 4-0

FINAL: Rimouski 4, Saint John 0

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

SAINT JOHN - It was a rough night for the Saint John Sea Dogs in a 4-0 loss to the Rimouski Oceanic at TD Station.

The Sea Dogs struggled to generate quality scoring chances in the shutout loss as the team's home woes continued. Saint John has now dropped four straight games on home ice.

Saint John recorded just 10 shots on goal in the first two periods combined and 20 through the full 60 minutes. Only eight of those 20 shots were counted as dangerous by the official scorers. 

Some of the offensive struggles no doubt had to do with new — and returning — players being mixed into Saint John's lineup as the team continues to fine tune its roster for the second half.

Maxime Coursol, Spencer Gill, Mael St-Denis and Jacob Mathieu scored for Rimouski. Former Sea Dogs forward Charles Savoie added two assists. Quentin Miller made 20 saves in the shutout victory.

Patrick Leaver made 40 saves in the loss.

Sea Dogs make more roster moves

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

SAINT JOHN - The trade period ended Saturday, but the Saint John Sea Dogs were still making some roster moves this week.

On Thursday, the team announced a number of roster moves. Forwards Olivier Groulx and Benjamin Beaudry along with defensemen Olivier Duhamel and Jeremie Richard will remain with the club for the remainder of the season.

Forward Kency Pierre-Noel, meanwhile, has been released by the Sea Dogs.

Groulx was recently acquired by the Sea Dogs from the Shawinigan Cataractes in the Vince Elie deal. The 16-year-old sits fourth in Quebec under-18 league scoring with 38 points (14 goals and 24 assists) in 27 games with the Châteauguay Grenadiers.

Groulx appeared in four games with the Cataractes this season.

Groulx will join Duhamel, forward Egan Beveridge and defenseman Benjamin Amyot as the team's quartet of 16-year-old players, which is the league maximum (although teams have been granted permission to carry more in the past). All four should get plenty of valuable ice time and experience in the second half.

Duhamel sticking with Saint John isn't a surprise given how he's played in three games with Saint John. He leaves the Collège Charles-Lemoyne Riverains where he had five goals and nine assists in 31 games.

Beaudry, a ninth-round pick of Saint John in the 2022 draft, has yet to appear in a QMJHL game. The 17-year-old has played in 30 QJHL games this season, posting five goals and 11 assists.

Richard, a third-round pick of Saint John in 2022, played in 20 games with the Sea Dogs last season where he had a goal and an assist. The Moncton native has played in 17 games with the MHL's Amherst Ramblers this season and two games with the Sea Dogs.

All four additions continue to trend Saint John's roster younger. The beginnings of a core group of players is definitely starting to take shape.

The 19-year-old Pierre-Noel departs the Sea Dogs after posting four goals (all of which were quite nice) and three assists in 29 games. He was also one of Saint John's best faceoff men — which is something to follow with Peter Reynolds, Elie and now Pierre-Noel all gone.

Pierre-Noel will presumably finish the season back in the QJHL.

Game Day 40: vs Oceanic

SAINT JOHN - The 2025 Memorial Cup hosts make their lone visit of the season to TD Station tonight.

The Rimouski Oceanic begin a three-game Maritime road trip this evening in Saint John. Rimouski sits fourth in the Eastern Conference with a 20-17-3-0 record for 43 points — nine points better than the Sea Dogs.

This is the second game of a five-game homestand for Saint John. The Sea Dogs have dropped three straight home contests and haven't won at TD Station since Dec. 9.

Game time tonight is 7 p.m.

TV/Radio/Stream: None/Sea Dogs Radio/CHL TV

2023-24 regular season records: The Sea Dogs are 14-19-3-3 for 34 points (sixth Maritimes/ninth Eastern/15th QMJHL) while Oceanic are 20-17-3-0 for 43 points (second East/fourth Eastern/seventh QMJHL).

Last games: The Sea Dogs are coming off a 6-2 loss to the Moncton Wildcats on Sunday at TD Station. Egan Beveridge and Pavel Simek scored for Saint John. Justin Robinson made 33 saves in the loss. The Oceanic are coming off a 3-2 upset win over the first-place Baie-Comeau Drakkar on Sunday. Jacob Mathieu scored twice for Rimouski while Maxime Coursol added a single. Quentin Miller made 36 saves in the win.

Notebook: Gauthier off to strong start

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

Mathis Gauthier has gotten his Gatineau Olympiques career off to a strong start.

The former Saint John Sea Dogs defenseman recorded a goal and four assists in his first two games with the Olympiques last week, helping last-place Gatineau earn back-to-back wins.

Gauthier's performance earned him a spot on the QMJHL's team of the week.

Here are your top performers from the first week of 2024! 👇#QMJHL | #TOTW

— QMJHL (@QMJHL) January 8, 2024

The 20-year-old recorded five goals and 12 assists in 36 games with Saint John before being dealt. He was traded to the Olympiques for a draft pick.

The Sea Dogs visit Gatineau on Jan. 28 and host them on Feb. 17.

NEW CAPTAINS?

All three members of Saint John's official leadership group have been traded away in recent weeks.

Captain Peter Reynolds was traded to the Halifax Mooseheads while alternates Noah Reinhart and Mathis Gauthier were traded to the Drummondville Voltigeurs and Gatineau Olympiques, respectively.

No players have been wearing letters for the Sea Dogs in recent games. That will surely change soon.

SAINT JOHN VISIT

QMJHL commissioner Mario Cecchini will make his first official visit to Saint John on Thursday and will hold a press conference at 11:30 a.m.

According to a Sea Dogs release, "this is Commissioner Cecchini's first visit to the Maritimes since changing the League's name from Quebec Major Junior Hockey League to Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League. He will be discussing the significance of the change and the future of the League."

Sea Dogs president Trevor Georgie will also be in attendance.

Cecchini will also hold a press conference in Bathurst on Sunday morning.

Kuznetsov makes NHL debut

Embed from Getty Images 

Yan Kuznetsov made his NHL debut on Tuesday night.

After being a healthy scratch twice on the weekend, Kuznetsov skated in his first NHL game at the Scotiabank Saddledome on Tuesday in the Calgary Flames' 6-3 win over the Ottawa Senators.

Kuznetsov recorded two shots and was a -1 in 11:58 of ice time. Both his shots came on his first shift of the game early in the opening frame. Unfortunately, Ottawa's first goal bounced off Kuznetsov's leg and in.

Welcome to the NHL, Kuzy! pic.twitter.com/ri337b7ldb

— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) January 10, 2024

The former Saint John Sea Dogs defenseman was called up to the Flames late last week but did not play in either of Calgary's games on the weekend. He was sent back down to the AHL but was quickly called back up ahead of Tuesday's contest.

"I'll just try to enjoy this day as much as I can."

Yan Kuznetsov on making his NHL debut tonight against the Senators. pic.twitter.com/IdxaGHAQfA

— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) January 9, 2024

Kuznetsov is in his second pro season with the Flames' AHL affiliate, the Calgary Wranglers. The 21-year-old, who is known more for his defensive work than offensive contributions, has two goals and five assists in 31 AHL games this season.

Kuznetsov played in 25 games with the Sea Dogs during the 2021-22 season, recording two goals and 11 assists. He helped the team capture the Memorial Cup on home ice.

Former Sea Dogs defenseman Jeremie Poirier, also a member of the Wranglers, was likely high on the list of potential Flames callups this season but a skate laceration, which required surgery, has kept him out of game action since late October.

Odd schedule begins for Sea Dogs

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

The Saint John Sea Dogs have a bit of an odd schedule over the next month and a bit.

This past Sunday's contest against the Moncton Wildcats kicked off a five-game homestand for the Sea Dogs. They won't hit the road again until Jan. 20.

Here's a look at their upcoming matches, which notably includes three mid-week games.

Thursday, Jan. 11 vs Rimouski
Saturday, Jan. 13 vs Victoriaville
Wednesday, Jan. 17 vs Charlottetown
Thursday, Jan. 18 vs Shawinigan
Saturday, Jan. 20 at Cape Breton

The Jan. 20 game in Cape Breton will kick off a stretch of eight straight road games for the Sea Dogs. Following that Cape Breton game, the Sea Dogs will play a three-in-three in Quebec the following weekend with stops in Shawinigan, Victoriaville and Gatineau.

Saint John won't play at home again until Feb. 15.

As noted several times throughout the year, the Sea Dogs have been a better road team. Saint John is 8-8-1-1 on the road but only 6-11-2-2 at home. They have the fewest home wins in the QMJHL.

Catching up on some international stuff

Let's catch up some international hockey news that was missed over the past few weeks...

Tomas Jurco is a Spengler Cup champion.

Jurco helped host HC Davos defeat HC Dynamo Pardubice 5-3 in the championship game on New Year's Eve. It was the first Spengler Cup tournament for the 31-year-old.

Jurco was held pointless in four games at the annual event. His time in the Spengler may best be remembered for this incident that went semi-viral.

This is unacceptable behaviour from Josh Holden, who twice grabs and yanks Tomas Jurco during the Spengler Cup. pic.twitter.com/yCV2XALcA7

— Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) December 31, 2023

In 17 games with Davos this season, the former Saint John Sea Dogs forward recorded six goals and three assists. Jurco has joined the KHL's Avangard Omsk for the remainder of the season, which marks his third season of playing in the KHL.

Jurco has now won two QMJHL championships, a Memorial Cup, two Calder Cups, an Olympic bronze medal and a Spengler Cup.

Some other news and notes...

• Team Canada fell in the semifinals of this year's Spengler Cup. Canada featured three former Sea Dogs in Chris DiDomenico (two goals and three assists in four games), Nathan Beaulieu (no points in four games) and Eric Gelinas (no points in two games). DiDomenico and Beaulieu were alternate captains.
• Over at the World Junior Hockey Championship in Sweden, Team Canada was eliminated in the quarterfinals. Sea Dogs equipment manager Tyler Jay was a member of the Canadian staff.
• Eriks Mateiko and Team Latvia were also eliminated in the quarterfinals. Goals were hard to come by early in the tournament for Latvia. Mateiko finished with a goal in five games.
• NHL.com mentioned Mateiko in their "prospects on the radar" feature recently. "The size and scoring ability are intriguing," NHL Central Scouting's Jean-Francois Damphousse said. "He has a good shot release and plays an effective net-front game as well. His skating keeps getting better with each viewing and he plays first line, first power play and is often a part of the penalty kill as well."
• The Athletic had a brief report on Mateiko, which noted that he'll likely be a huge piece for Latvia at next year's tournament in Ottawa.
• Next year's world juniors will be held in Ottawa while the 2026 edition will be hosted in Minneapolis and St. Paul, USA Hockey announced last week.

Recap: Sea Dogs lose 6-2

FINAL; Moncton 6, Saint John 2

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

SAINT JOHN - The wheels fell off the Saint John Sea Dogs' wagon in the third period on Sunday at TD Station.

The Moncton Wildcats scored four times in the final frame to earn a 6-2 victory over the Sea Dogs. Moncton has now won five of the six meetings between the two provincial rivals this season.

It was a close and tight game up until the third. The Sea Dogs were doing a good job at going toe-to-toe with the Wildcats — but, like many rebuilding clubs (and like we've seen several times this season), couldn't keep it going for a full 60 minutes.

Justin Robinson was solid in net and made a few big saves when the game was still close. Robinson made 33 saves in the loss.

Egan Beveridge and Pavel Simek scored for Saint John.

Saint John continues to struggle on home ice this season, falling to 6-11-2-2. They play their next four games all at TD Station.

Vincent Collard scored a pair of goals for Moncton while singles came from Preston Lounsbury, Miles Mueller, Thomas Auger and Etienne Morin. Jacob Steinman made 27 saves in the win.