On Friday, February 7, 2023, the Halifax Mooseheads returned to the Scotiabank Centre to kick off a three-game homestand. Unfortunately for the Mooseheads, they suffered a 3-1 defeat against the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada after a challenging road trip in Quebec. This loss put a damper on the team's hopes of building momentum at home.
The game began with the Armada taking charge early in the second period. Just 53 seconds in, Mateo Nobert found the back of the net with a precise shot from the left-hand faceoff circle while the team was on a delayed penalty. The Mooseheads, however, responded swiftly. At 4:39 into the same period, Brady Schultz scored his fifth goal of the season, maneuvering around Justin Carbonneau and firing a powerful shot that slipped past Armada goaltender Félix Hamel's glove. This goal sparked a brief surge of hope for the Mooseheads.
Just when it seemed the Mooseheads might gain the momentum, the Armada struck back. With four minutes left in the second period, Egor Goriunov regained the lead for Blainville with a shot that evaded Jacob Steinman’s glove. Goriunov’s goal proved to be crucial, as it solidified the Armada's control of the game as the second period came to a close.
As the game progressed into the third period, the Mooseheads fought hard to find an equalizer but failed to capitalize on their opportunities. To add insult to injury, with only 30 seconds remaining in the game, Vincent Desjardins sealed the victory for the Armada by scoring into an empty net, confirming the team's superior performance throughout the match.
The Mooseheads’ loss brought their season record to 16 wins, 26 losses, and 7 overtime losses, while the Armada improved their record to 28 wins, 17 losses, and 2 overtime losses. The disparity in standings is evident, with the Armada looking stronger as they continue to gain points in the league.
Egor Goriunov’s performance earned him the first star of the game for his critical game-winning goal. Jacob Steinman, despite the loss, showcased his skills as he made an impressive 31 saves and was named the second star of the night. Félix Hamel, the goaltender for the Armada, received third star honors for his contribution to the team's victory.
Looking ahead, the Mooseheads are set to return to action on Saturday, February 8, 2023. They will face off against the Acadie-Bathurst Titan at the Scotiabank Centre. The game is particularly special as it will be held on Hockey Fights Cancer Night, a night dedicated to raising awareness and supporting those affected by cancer. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m., and fans can tune in to all the action live on 95.7 NewsRadio. The broadcast will begin with the Mr. Lube Pre-Game Show at 6:30 p.m., setting the stage for what fans hope will be a more favorable outcome for the Mooseheads.
