The Montreal Canadiens ECHL affiliate headed to Virginia to finish first-round series.
The Trois-Rivieres Lions kicked off their playoff series against the Norfolk Admirals (Winnipeg Jets) with three games at Colisee Videotron.
Wednesday - Game 1: Norfolk Admirals 4 - Trois-Rivieres Lions 2
After a scoreless first period, the Admirals got on the board with a pair of goals in 1:45 during the middle frame. Cedric Montminy cut the lead in half early in the third period before Norfolk made it a two-goal game in the final minute with an empty net goal. Montminy scored a power play tally with 23 seconds but the Admirals ended all hopes to a comeback with a second empty netter with four seconds remaining.
"We didn't start on time. These are the playoffs. We need to be invested at all times," coach and general manager Ron Choules said.
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Friday - Game 2: Norfolk Admirals 4 - Trois-Rivieres Lions 5
Trois-Rivieres had a tremendous start to the contest as Tyler Hylland broke the ice at 1:29 after puck and Montminy doubled the lead just under eight minutes later. Norfolk got on the board prior to the first intermission when Jakov Novak and Anthony Beauregard lit the lamp during the second period. The Admirals scored midway through the third period before captain Montminy recorded his second of the evening to increase the lead to three goals. The Winnipeg Jets ECHL affiliate got two shots across the goal line in the final 1:24 to make it a one-goal game.
"It was very important to get this victory. It's not the manner that counts. We will adjust our five against six, that’s for sure. The guys did very well otherwise. They came out strong being physical. Our forecheck worked well. The guys deserved this. There was energy in the rink and it gave us a lot of help," stated Choules.
Saturday - Game 3: Norfolk Admirals 2 - Trois-Rivieres Lions 1
The game remained scoreless until the midway point of the second period when the Admirals scored twice in 3:08 to take control. Nolan Yaremko cut the lead to one with a power play goal before the intermission. Trois-Rivieres did not convert on their only power play in the third period and did not help their own cause with consecutive minor infractions that resulted to them playing shorthanded for the final 2:26.
"I think we can be better than that. We didn't capitalize on our chances and we had a stupid penalty at the end, which took away our chance to play 6 against 5," noted Choules.
Roster News
Prior to the start of the series, the Rocket loaned Chris Jandric to the Lions. The defenceman did not dress for any games during his most recent stint in the AHL. His services were not needed in Laval following the additions of Justin Barron and Jayden Struble for their doubleheader against the Belleville Senators.
Strauss Mann was recalled by Laval before the start of the ECHL playoffs and was not returned to Trois-Rivieres following the conclusion of the AHL season. Choules started Zachary Emond for all three games against Norfolk.
Up Next
The North Division semifinal heads to Norfolk, Virginia until the end of the seven-game series. Choules' squad will need to win three road games in order to advance to the next round.
The next two games of the series are on Wednesday and Saturday.
(All quotes courtesy of Le Nouvelliste)
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