The Montreal Canadiens ECHL affiliate begin a homestand, hoping to end their slump against the Norfolk Admirals.
After wrapping up an eight-game road trip, the Trois-Rivieres Lions returned to Colisee Videotron to host the Maine Mariners (Boston Bruins) and then headed on the road for a pair of matches against the Reading Royals (Philadelphia Flyers) on the weekend.
Wednesday: Maine Mariners 6 - Trois-Rivieres Lions 1
The Mariners had 3-0 lead early into the second period before the Lions got on the board and cut the deficit. Maine added a power play goal before the end of the period to make it 4-1. The Bruins ECHL affiliate chased goalie Joe Vrbetic out of the game after scoring two more times in the third period.
"The players are doing their job to the best of their abilities, but the concentration was not there. For our fans, it wasn't the best game, but we have to stay positive," coach and general manager Ron Choules said.
"We are in a slump. I think it’s a great challenge for us. You have to experience that in a season. We will fight to find solutions. I have confidence in our group and our leaders."
(Quotes courtesy of Le Nouvelliste)
Friday: Trois-Rivieres Lions 1 - Reading Royals 0
Jakov Novak potted his team-leading 10th goal of the season late in the second period and that sufficed for the Trois-Rivieres Lions to collect the two points for the standings. Zachary Bouthillier made 25 saves to earn his first career shutout at the professional level.
Saturday: Trois-Rivieres Lions 1 - Reading Royals 5
The Royals led 1-0 through 20 minutes before striking with another two goals in the second period that resulted to Choules pulling Vrbetic in a second consecutive appearance. The Flyers ECHL affiliate added two power play goals on Bouthillier before the second intermission to get a commanding 5-0 lead. Trois-Rivieres ruined the shutout with a goal early in the third period.
Up Next
The Lions return home for a four-game homestand beginning with three games against the Norfolk Admirals (Winnipeg Jets) on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
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