Just two games into the finals and the Memorial Cup hosts are down by two games. Let's take a look at why this may be and what is to come.
It needs to be said that the Rimouski Océanic have been the definitive No. 2 team in the QMJHL since at least the trade deadline -- and before then were within the Top 3.
NHL Draft Prospects & Free Agents To Watch In The QMJHL Finals
The 2024-25 QMJHL finals begins tonight with the Memorial Cup host Rimouski Océanic (12-3-2) taking on the regular season leaders, the Moncton Wildcats (12-1-0).
In Game 1, it's clear that they just did not start on time. Outshot in every period, and only getting back into the game in the third is just not where you'd want to be in the third period.
Despite facing an onslaught of shots, goaltender Mathis Langevin was able to pull through, with a .918 save percentage through 37 shots.
By Game 2, the Océanic were still facing the same issues. 12 shots through the first two periods is just not good enough, especially when conceding 27 in that same time span.
NHL Affiliated Prospects To Watch In The QMJHL Finals
The 2024-25 QMJHL finals begins tonight with the Memorial Cup host Rimouski Océanic (12-3-2) taking on the regular season leaders, the Moncton Wildcats (12-1-0).
That game also opened up another issue for the Océanic, namely, their lackluster powerplay. This series, the team has had only four opportunities with the man advantage and they have yet to have capitalized.
As compared to Moncton, who've had five chances, and scored on three.
Once again, the team was given somewhat of a lifeline by their goaltender, this time 2026 NHL draft eligible William Lacelle with a .913 through 46 shots -- but they ultimately could not capitalize.
Three QMJHL Stars Rank On The Hockey News' Top 64 NHL Draft Final List
<a href="https://thehockeynews.com/THNHOME/posts/SFDxNUytM09Eq7wKEomE">The Hockey News' Tony Ferrari</a> published his newest and final draft list for the 2025 NHL draft.
With the way the series is going, it's hard not to give Moncton the definitive lock here, however I would not be surprised if Rimouski finds a way to come out with at least one win, still. Regardless, Rimouski is going to have to make some decisions for when they meet up again in the Memorial Cup.
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