The Halifax Mooseheads faced the Rimouski Oceanic on the evening of Wednesday, looking to extend their winning momentum from a recent victory against the Saint John Sea Dogs on Sunday. The Mooseheads aimed to enhance their performance on the road as they entered the rink in Rimouski.
As the game commenced, the Mooseheads quickly found themselves trailing. Jacob Mathieu of the Oceanic scored his 29th goal of the season, putting Rimouski ahead with a score of 1-0 early in the first period. The Mooseheads struggled to find their footing as they faced the early deficit.
However, the mood changed just 1:51 into the second period when Caylen Blake tied the game for the Mooseheads, beating Oceanic goalie Mathis Langevin. Assists were credited to Liam Kilfoil and Owen Phillips, showcasing the teamwork and synergy among the Mooseheads players. This equalizing goal sparked a renewed sense of determination within the team.
A momentum shift occurred 10 minutes later when the Mooseheads capitalized on a power play opportunity. Antoine Fontaine scored to put Halifax ahead 2-1, with Brady Shultz earning the sole assist on the play. The Mooseheads' power-play success was crucial as they took control of the game.
However, their lead was short-lived. At the 16-minute mark of the second period, Maxime Corsol managed to slip the puck past Mooseheads goalie Jacob Steinman, leveling the score at 2-2. Notably, former Moosehead Mathieu Cataford provided an assist, illustrating the competitive nature of the game and the familiar faces on the ice.
As the match progressed through the third period, both teams found themselves held scoreless, and as time expired, the game was extended to overtime. The extra period saw high tensions and opportunities for both squads, but it was the Mooseheads who secured the victory. Just over 2 minutes into overtime, Braden McPhee found the back of the net, sealing the win for Halifax. His goal was assisted by Liam Kilfoil and Carlos Handel, demonstrating the Mooseheads' continuous collaboration and resilience in critical moments.
The outstanding performances in the game did not go unnoticed, as Braden McPhee was awarded 1st star of the game, while goalie Jacob Steinman received the 2nd star. Jacob Mathieu, who scored for the Oceanic, was awarded the 3rd star, highlighting his impactful play throughout the contest.
With this victory, the Mooseheads improved their season record to 13 wins, 21 losses, and 6 overtime losses (13-21-6). This win marks the second consecutive victory for the team, signaling a potential turnaround as they head into their next matchup. The Mooseheads will look to extend their winning streak on Friday night in Drummondville. The game is set to start at 8:00 PM, and fans can catch all the action live on 95.7 NewsRadio, with play-by-play commentary by Garreth MacDonald.
