The Halifax Mooseheads almost spoiled the home opener for the Charlottetown Islanders. Veteran goalie Eric Brassard turned in a 36 save performance, but it wasn't enough to take down the victorious Islanders. Daryl MacCallum made 37 saves in what can best be described as a goaltending duel.
Oliver Cooper got the Eastlink Centre crowd rocking as he tallied Charlottetown's first regular season goal at 6:42 of the first period. At 15:14 Halifax Mooseheads rookie Ilya Putintsev answered on the Powerplay for the Moose roofing one top shelf over MacCallum. Some believe that Putintsev may have enjoyed his celebration of that goal a little too much--But who wouldn't celebrate their first career Quebec League goal. Filip Rydstrom would respond quickly for the Islanders, putting them up 2-1 after one frame.
At 6:30 of the second period it was Otto Somppi's turn to record his first career Q goal, Again on the Powerplay. Vince Watt would add another goal at 11:08 to give the Mooseheads a 3-2 lead heading into the final stanza.
In the third, the Islanders would waste no time tying this contest. Mitchell Balmas scored on the Powerplay at the 56 second mark. The teams would end regulation deadlocked at 3 goals a side.
From there it was on to the brand new 3-on-3 Overtime with the Islanders dominating most of the fast-paced play but Eric Brassard was up to the task stopping quite a few breakaways on his net.
In the shootout, MacCallum secured the victory for the Islanders, stopping Danny Moynihan, Otto Somppi, and Ilya Putintsev. Chris Chaddock scored the eventual game winner on the Islanders first shootout attempt.
The 3 stars for last night's contest were 3) Otto Somppi 2) Luc Deschenes 1) Darryl MacCallum.
Notes:
-Max Fortier had 3 assists for Halifax. Otto Somppi had a goal and 2 assists, and Ilya Putintsev had a goal and an assist.
-The Halifax Mooseheads were without Timo Meier (SJ) Cavan Fitzgerald (SJ) and Cody Donaghey (TOR) who are away attending NHL camps.
-The Mooseheads went 2/7 on the Power play.
The Halifax Mooseheads head to Harbour Station tonight to take on highly touted Saint John rookie Joe Veleno and the Sea Dogs. Puckdrop at 7 pm.
Saturday 12 September 2015
Thursday 10 September 2015
Thursday Thoughts: Maritimes Division
Tonight, another QMJHL season begins in Rimouski as the Oceanic take on Shawinigan. Before the puck officially drops, I thought I'd make some predictions for the standings of the Maritimes division at the end of this season.
1. Cape Breton Screaming Eagles
The Eagles are poised to make a run for the top of the Maritimes division. Veteran netminder Alexandre Belanger was a solid pick-up for the team and I expect big seasons from both Maxim Lazerev and Evgeny Svechnikov. Loik Leveille will help out the blue line as well.
2. Charlottetown Islanders
The Islanders are stacked with veteran talent. With one of the best goalies in the league in Mason McDonald backstopping an attack up front led by Daniel Sprong and Filip Chlapik. I expect a deep run in the playoffs for Charlottetown.
3. Saint John Sea Dogs
The Sea Dogs really impressed me last season. They came out of nowhere and played very well last season. This year, they have the first player to ever be granted exceptional status in Joe Veleno. Add Luke Green and Jakub Zboril on defense and the Sea Dogs are poised to battle for the top of the Maritimes division.
4. Moncton Wildcats
Just because I have the Wildcats in fourth doesn't mean they couldn't surprise and finish higher. They have the Q point leader in Conor Garland, however the loss of Ivan Barbashev will be a big void for the Wildcats to fill.
5. Halifax Mooseheads
It's a rebuilding year for the Moose. A winless pre-season albeit it is pre-season was an indication this could be a tough year in Moose Country. Timo Meier and Danny Moynihan will lead the offensive front. Eric Brassard will be leaned on to make some huge saves with a younger D core in front of him. On offense for the rookies I think Ilya Putintsev and Otto Somppi will impress this season.
6, Acadie-Bathurst Titan
The Titan like the Mooseheads have several rookies up front and on defense. They're also in rebuild mode. These two standing positions could be interchangeable with the Mooseheads.
It will be an interesting season in the Maritimes Division this year.
The Halifax Mooseheads open up the 2015-2016 schedule tomorrow night at 7pm at Eastlink Centre vs the Charlottetown Islanders.
1. Cape Breton Screaming Eagles
The Eagles are poised to make a run for the top of the Maritimes division. Veteran netminder Alexandre Belanger was a solid pick-up for the team and I expect big seasons from both Maxim Lazerev and Evgeny Svechnikov. Loik Leveille will help out the blue line as well.
2. Charlottetown Islanders
The Islanders are stacked with veteran talent. With one of the best goalies in the league in Mason McDonald backstopping an attack up front led by Daniel Sprong and Filip Chlapik. I expect a deep run in the playoffs for Charlottetown.
3. Saint John Sea Dogs
The Sea Dogs really impressed me last season. They came out of nowhere and played very well last season. This year, they have the first player to ever be granted exceptional status in Joe Veleno. Add Luke Green and Jakub Zboril on defense and the Sea Dogs are poised to battle for the top of the Maritimes division.
4. Moncton Wildcats
Just because I have the Wildcats in fourth doesn't mean they couldn't surprise and finish higher. They have the Q point leader in Conor Garland, however the loss of Ivan Barbashev will be a big void for the Wildcats to fill.
5. Halifax Mooseheads
It's a rebuilding year for the Moose. A winless pre-season albeit it is pre-season was an indication this could be a tough year in Moose Country. Timo Meier and Danny Moynihan will lead the offensive front. Eric Brassard will be leaned on to make some huge saves with a younger D core in front of him. On offense for the rookies I think Ilya Putintsev and Otto Somppi will impress this season.
6, Acadie-Bathurst Titan
The Titan like the Mooseheads have several rookies up front and on defense. They're also in rebuild mode. These two standing positions could be interchangeable with the Mooseheads.
It will be an interesting season in the Maritimes Division this year.
The Halifax Mooseheads open up the 2015-2016 schedule tomorrow night at 7pm at Eastlink Centre vs the Charlottetown Islanders.
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