The Drakkar pushes the Eagles to the edge of the cape

Massive goals, abundant punishments and expulsions. It’s the story of a crazy match that led the Baie-Comeau Drakkar to an 8-2 victory, pushing the Cape Breton Eagles to the brink of elimination.

For the North Shore, it was another offensive performance from Justin Poirier which kicked off the hostilities. The forward scored four goals in addition to obtaining an assist.

I don’t think we were proud of our game on Monday.recalls Justin Poirier. I only sent pucks to the net, which allowed me to score goals. We played with more rage in our hearts.

According to his coach, Jean-François Grégoire, Justin Poirier arrived early, at Center 200, very focused.

This shows the determination of the group, adds the mentor.

Everyone wondered if we were panicking. But, it was only a first defeat in 10 games. That means we’ve done good things before, that doesn’t mean you’re going to forget it in the blink of an eye.

Isaac Dufort, twice, Justin Gill and islander Donovan Arsenault completed the scorecard for Baie-Comeau.

Cape Breton’s response came from Cam MacDonald and Angelo Fullerton.

There was great disappointment in the Nova Scotian camp.

We must return to our rootsexplains captain, Zach Biggar. We have to play more physical, but stay out of the penalty box.

The 4,922 spectators present, a full house, expected another big performance from their favorites, After the victory the day before.

But, instead of an even series, the next game could be the Eagles’ last in the playoffs.

Look me in the eyes: I’ll tell you, it’s not over. It’s not over! In French, we will return to the series. Whether you lose 8-2 or 2-1, whether you dominate or get outplayed in penalties, in the end, you lose. Now we have to come back stronger.

Louis Robitaille responded to journalists, but we feel that his message was addressed to the players and supporters.

A great start

The Drakkar started this fourth encounter strong, the same way the players finished the previous duel.

After six minutes, the Eagles had already allowed three goals on four shots.

We made small adjustments, we were more focusedexplains Grégoire.

His opposite number, Louis Robitaille, wanted to moderate the slow departure of his troop and the success of his adversaries.

We had a good start to the matchhe pleads. Cam Squires and Olivier Houde had chances. But, we allowed three goals on four shots.

Niccola Ruccia didn’t seem in the best shape. He was replaced after allowing the sixth goal, in the twenty-seventh minute of play.

Robitaille did not want to accuse his goalkeeper Ruccia. He knows he wasn’t up to it tonight, he’s been very good until now. It happens.

I’m not mad at our goalie. He had it difficult, he’s a competitor, he’ll come back strong.

Brandon Lavoie, originally from Halifax, came in relief. It was his first career appearance in the Maritimes Quebec Junior Hockey League.

A festival of punishments

The tension escalated several notches.

It took almost two hours to play the first two periods. The tension escalated several notches between the two teams. Frustration, blows after the whistle and verbal exchanges slowed down the game.

Thirty infractions were distributed to both teams, good for fifty-nine minutes of penalties.

Five players were ejected: Cam Squires (for fighting), Cam MacDonald and Jacob Newcombe for the Eagles while Baie-Comeau saw Alexis Bernier (fight) and Charles-Édward Gravel head to the locker room.

Gravel, the goalkeeper, received a five-minute major penalty for tripping.

We had to talk a lot, there is a snowball effect, sometimesdeclares Jean-François Grégoire, who did not want to see things degenerate.

Calm downGrégoire told them.

Tuesday, Baie-Comeau scored two of its goals on the power play.

The two teams will take the same plane on Wednesday afternoon to Baie-Comeau for the fifth match of the semi-final.

With a victory, the Drakkar could advance to the final for the first time since 2014.