Return to the hard game for the Phoenix [VIDEO]

Phoenix head coach Stéphane Julien.

Share November 4, 2020 11:03 pm Share Return to the hard game for the Phoenix [VIDEO]

Sébastien Lajoie La Tribune The Val-d'Or Foreurs and the Sherboroke Phoenix are among the favorite teams for top honors, in this season punctuated by COVID-19. If the Foreurs have not really ceased their activities since the start of the season, the Phoenix was playing a first game in a month. And it appeared. Val-d'Or easily won 7-3.

Sherbrooke has suffered a third loss in as many games since the start of the season.

If the Phoenix was still in the game after 20 minutes of play, after having among other things scored two shorthanded goals to bring the score to 2-2, the chain landed in the second period.

The Foreurs scored two goals in 1 minute and 34 seconds and they never looked back on their way to victory.

Special units

Moreover, the domination of the Foreurs in terms of shots on goal illustrates the pace of the game, while Val-d'Or made 36 shots, against 22 for Sherbrooke.

The special teams of both teams had a big say; the Phoenix scored both of its shorthanded goals, while the Foreurs also scored two shorthanded goals, in addition to scoring two on the power play.

“We did not play a bad first period, despite the fact that we had to kill a penalty of five minutes (major penalty to Israel Mianscum, who was expelled from the match, Editor's note). We still scored two disadvantaged goals. We had a good chance to score. But the two quick goals at the start of the second broke our legs and we played catch-up hockey. We cheated, we looked out of breath, ”explained Phoenix head coach and GM Stéphane Julien.

Success is in the details

“The 'match' physical condition was not there at all in second and third. There are also small businesses that bothered me, even though it had been a long time since we had played. We had two goals scored while we were on the power play. I understand that we have rookies in our team, but our two waves of numerical advantages are made up of veterans, talented players, which is not acceptable. We missed execution, we missed chances. The same goes for face-offs; we have insisted a lot on this recently and this evening (Wednesday) we are 34% successful. Small details that hurt, ”continued the head coach.

“When you come back from a month away, you can't afford these little mistakes. The guys are aware, but in this somewhat bizarre season we have to take our game to another level. “

Young goalkeepers, a young defense

In the absence of their number one goalie, Samuel Hlavaj, the Phoenix have chosen to trust their two young goalkeepers. Jasmin Simon started the game, but was replaced by David Provencher early in the third period.

Simon allowed five goals on 26 shots, while Provencher gave up twice on 10 shots. Note that the Phoenix had eight rookies in its roster for this game, including its two goalkeepers.

“We must not forget either that we have four rookies on the defense, in addition to our two young goalies. We need to give them better support. In goal, Jasmin does what he can. Being a first year goalie in our league is very difficult. As for David, he did well. The two will keep the goals at the end of the week, each should start a game, ”said Stéphane Julien.

Patrick Guay, Julien Anctil and Xavier Parent scored for the Phoenix.

Justin Ducharme was the best in the Foreurs with three goals and one assist. Former Magog Cantonniers Marshall Lessard also did well with a goal and an assist.

After a break on Thursday, the Phœnix resumes action on Friday and Saturday, still in Abitibi, but this time against the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies.