The Lions de Trois-Rivières (affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens) managed to secure a point with a goal in the final minute of regulation, but ultimately fell 3–2 in overtime to the Maine Mariners (affiliate of the Boston Bruins).
In the first period, the Lions generated several scoring opportunities, but the former Lions goaltender turned aside all 17 shots he faced to keep his team off the scoreboard.
The visitors were the first to get on the board in the second period, as Kalle Vaisanen capitalized on a power play to open the scoring.
A little later, captain Anthony Beauregard showed why he now wears the “C” on his jersey, tying the game with his sixth goal of the season. Mathias Laferrière sent the puck toward the net after the opposing goaltender had already committed, leaving the Saint-Damase native with an open net to put the puck home. Isaac Dufort picked up an assist on the play.
In the third period, Robert Cronin restored the Mariners' lead with his team's second power-play goal of the game.
With less than 20 seconds remaining on the clock, the Lions pulled their goaltender in favour of an extra attacker in a last-ditch effort. Jacob Dion fired a shot toward the net, which was deflected by Mathieu Bizier to tie the game and force overtime. Brooklyn Kalmikov also recorded a point against his former team. With their performances, Bizier and Kalmikov extended their point streaks to six consecutive games.
In overtime, Linus Hamstrom ultimately settled the contest with his first goal of the season.
In goal, Francesco Lapenna stopped 30 of the 33 shots he faced. At the other end of the ice, former Lions goaltender Luke Cavallin made 34 saves on 36 shots.
The two teams will meet again this Saturday, October 31, at 1 p.m. at the Colisée Vidéotron. For the occasion, fans of all ages are invited to put on their best costumes and celebrate Halloween with the Lions!
Season and half-season tickets, Flex Packs, and single-game tickets are available at lions3r.com or by contacting a sales representative at 819-519-1634, extension 200.