Trois-Rivieres Lions Swept at Home | Lions Notepad

The Trois-Rivieres Lions returned to the Colisee Videotron to begin a four-game homestand, beginning with a tripleheader against the Norfolk Admirals (Winnipeg Jets).

The Admirals scored two early goals against Zachary Bouthillier before the Lions answered back with consecutive goals late by William Lemay in the first period and Anthony Beauregard on the power play early in the second. Norfolk added a power play goal before John Parker-Jones answered back with a goal with a man advantage to keep the contest tied through 40 minutes. Norfolk broke the tie with 3:56 remaining and end the night with the victory.

“We were able to get back into the game with our power play. The guys worked well. Norfolk has a good team and offer good battles. We're going to get through this,” coach and general manager Ron Choules said following the team’s fourth loss in the last five games. 

After a scoreless first period, the Winnipeg Jets ECHL affiliate struck three times in the middle frame to take a 3-0 lead through 40 minutes. Norfolk added a fourth goal in the first minute of the third before Maxim Trepanier put the home team on the board before the final horn. 

"We can always look for positives here and there, but guys have to look in the mirror. Regardless of recalls or injuries, players must show they can do the job. There is a lack of effort, of competitiveness. We lack everything. We will get through this, but it is a difficult situation. Everyone must push in the same direction," Choules evaluated the situation. 

After a scoreless first period, Norfolk got on the board at 7:49 into the second period to take a one-goal lead through 40 minutes. In the third period, the visitors added three more goals, including one empty netter, before Parker-Jones prevented the shutout with a power play goal during a six-on-four. 

Canadiens prospect Ty Smilanic did not finish Friday's contest and was not available the following day due to injury. Midway through the third period, the 74th overall pick of the 2020 draft received a stick in the face following a collision between teammate Noah Laaouan and opponent Carson Golder. The organization has not provided any specifics on the injury. 

In 24 games this season, Smilanic collected six points and is plus-2. 

The Admirals best player in the tripleheader at Colisee Videotron was Justin Robidas. Robidas, son of Canadiens assistant coach Stephane Robidas, collected four goals, one assist and plus-five during the week spent in Trois-Rivieres. 

The 20-year-old, drafted 141st overall by the Carolina Hurricanes, has 21 points in 23 games with Norfolk. 

The Laval Rocket recalled forwards Jakov Novak and Alex-Olivier Voyer on Thursday before heading on the road for a three-game road trip. It was the second stint of both forwards this season in Laval.

The Canadiens AHL affiliate needed some reinforcements after Emil Heineman was recalled to the NHL and Xavier Simoneau was sidelined with an injury.

To fill the roster spots, the Lions signed Jared Power and Charles-Antoine Paiement. Power scored one goal in nine games with the Utah Grizzlies (Colorado Avalanche) before being released on November 21st while Paiement has collected 18 points in 17 games with Concordia University this season.

Since beginning the season with nine wins in their first 10 games, Trois-Rivieres has collapsed and won four of their last 15 games. Despite injuries in Laval and Montreal, the impact to Chourles' team has been minimal. 

The biggest loss was the departure of forward Matthew Boucher on November 7th when he signed a professional tryout contract with the AHL's Belleville Senators. At the time of his promotion to the AHL, Boucher had collected 12 points in eight matches.  

The Lions wrap up their homestand against the Adirondack Thunder (New Jersey Devils) before heading on the road to face the Worcester Railers (New York Islanders) on Friday and the Thunder on Saturday. 

(Quotes courtesy of Le Nouvelliste)

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