Trois-Rivieres Freefall Continues | Lions Notepad

The Trois-Rivieres Lions headed into their Christmas break with three games against North division rivals. On Wednesday, they hosted the Adirondack Thunder (New Jersey Devils) before hitting the road to face the Worcester Railers (New York Islanders) on Friday and the Thunder on Saturday. 

After a scoreless 20 minutes, Lions defensemen Eric Hjorth opened the scoring midway through the second period. The lead lasted less than five minutes as the Thunder scored to tie it before the second intermission. Overtime was needed as none of the teams were able to break the tie in the third period. Adirondack ended the night at the 3:48 mark and left the Colisee Videotron with two points in the standings.

"We approached this week as a two-of-three series. I asked the guys to be responsible. Tonight I couldn't ask for more from them. The chances were there, but their goalie was good. We will get through this. We will learn from our mistakes and come back stronger. I am proud of their effort," evaluated coach and general manager Ron Choules.

Captain Cedric Montminy was frustrated following the loss, "I couldn't say," answered the captain when asked to explain the cause of the team's slump. 

"I'm the first in this. I'm not scoring. We are constantly looking for each other. We have to find a way to put it in. It's frustrating. It’s up to me to pick up my game a notch and score." 

(Quotes courtesy of Le Nouvelliste)

Trois-Rivieres got off to a good start as Anthony Beauregard scored on the team's first power play opportunity midway through the first period. The match remained 1-0 until early in the third period when the Railers tied it during the second minute of acton. Worcester netted the backbreaking goal with under two minutes remaining in regulation and added an empty netter to seal the win. 

Special units made a difference in the first period as Thunder got on the board first on the power play and Alex-Olivier Voyer answered back for the Lions with the man advantage. Less than a minute later, the home team took the lead with a shorthanded goal. The Thunder had a 4-1 lead before Nick Jermain cut the lead to one with 1:29 remaining in regulation. An empty net goal eliminated any hope of a comeback.

With Sean Farrell and Lias Andersson cleared to play by the Laval Rocket, Jakov Novak and Alex-Olivier Voyer were returned to Trois-Rivieres on Tuesday. 

Anthony Beauregard did not finish Friday's game after suffering an injury during the contest against the Railers. Beauregard co-leads the team with 10 goals. 

Trois-Rivieres' fall continues with only one victory in their last 10 games. 

The Lions return home to host the Newfoundland Growlers (Toronto Maple Leafs) on Wednesday and Friday. On Saturday, Trois-Rivieres will be in Maine to face the Mariners (Boston Bruins).  

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