Josh Fleming of the Acadie-Bathurst Titan (Photo: Bryannah James)The QMJHL may see it's first playoff eliminations tonight with four teams facing a sweep.
Acadie-Bathurst Titan
The Titan will look to leave a more lasting impression in their final season as they try to avoid being swept in their final season before moving to Newfoundland. The games haven't gotten completely away from the Titan, with two of the games ending with only a one goal difference and the second being a loss by two goals. Regardless, the team will look to feed off the home energy to make that final push against the Chicoutimi Saguenéens at 6 PM ET tonight.
Quebec Remparts
Facing off against the No. 1 seed is never an easy task, but when that team happens to be as good as the Moncton Wildcats -- you are better off trying to learn how to walk upside down. That said, the Quebec Remparts have put up a very valliant effort so far in Round 1 in spite of the three game skid. They were able to force overtime twice in Game 1 and 3. The biggest key to their success is to limit penalties. Moncton has one of the most potent powerplays in the league and you cannot let them have that chance.
Charlottetown Islanders
The Charlottetown Islanders came into the playoffs as one of the strongest defensive teams in the league and have since capitulated 20 goals over the first three games versus the Memorial Cup hosts -- the Rimouski Océanic. The only way the Islanders might be able to steal a game is if the Océanic don't feel the need to keep pushing tonight. Given their explosive start to the playoffs, though, I just can't see Rimouski giving anything.
Gatineau Olympiques
Losing starting goaltender Nathan St. Pierre and now forward Nicholas Petrut are crushing blows for an already lean Gatineau Olympiques team between the pipes and up front. Through strong defensive and goaltending performances from Iain Wintle, the team has been able to keep two of the three games close. However, the team desparately needs more offense from overager Jeremie Minville and import Lukas Kral among others to avoid the sweep.
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