After once again eliminating the Rimouski Océanic, this time in the Memorial Cup instead of the QMJHL playoffs, the Moncton Wildcats will look to pick up their second win of the tournament in a do-or-die game against the London Knights in the semi-finals tonight. The winner will go on to face the WHL's Medicine Hat Tigers in the finals on Sunday.
The Wildcats and Knights last met six days ago, with London winning in overtime 3-2.
In that game, the Wildcats were able to find holes in the Knights, particularily scoring on screened shots from the point and finding passes back door from the point. However, the Wildcats had some weaknesses exposed as well.
Moncton Wildcats goaltender Mathis Rousseau (Photo: Vincent Éthier)Mathis Rousseau's jumpy goaltending style often led him out of position on scrambles and makes him prone to getting beat by patient teams Additionally, they've struggled with keeping momentum high throughout the entire game as the Wildcats were outshot 31-11 over the second and third period. Furthermore, penalties have been an ongoing issue for the Wildcats as both the Knights and the Tigers have exploited them with the man advantage.
Limiting the penalties and shutting down London's offensive flurries should help keep the shots down and maintain momentum. However, that's easier said than done.
As they were able to take the London Knights to overtime in spite of the Wildcats' issues, they genuinely have a chance to win should they clean up their game.
Both teams will clash at 7 PM ET tonight.
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