The Phoenix shut out 5-0 by the Huskies [VIDEO]

Patrick Guay and the Phoenix lost 5-0 to the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies.

Share November 6, 2020 10:54 p.m. Share The Phoenix shut out 5-0 by the Huskies [VIDEO]

Sébastien Lajoie La Tribune The Sherbrooke Phoenix lost for the second time in as many games during their trip to Abitibi, when they lost 5-0 to the Huskies in Rouyn-Noranda on Friday night. Sherbrooke is still looking for a first victory in this 2020-21 season (0-4-0).

If the Phoenix lost 7-3 to the Foreurs Wednesday, he could not do better against the Huskies two days later.

Sherbrooke was unable to break through the wall of goalie Samuel Richard, who was perfect against 26 shots from the Phoenix.

The locals started the match strong, thanks to Marc-Antoine Séguin, who scored the first of his goals in the first period.

While both teams played a tighter game in the middle period, the Huskies took control in the third period, scoring three goals in nine minutes, including Alex Labbé's net on the power play and Samuel Johnson's. , in an empty net.

“We gave two goals early in the game, two goals that we would probably like to see again. But for the rest, the intention was there and the will too. But offensively, our best people are not able to give us a cushion. Our best players must give us a little more, ”said head coach and general manager Stéphane Julien after the match.

“We have to find a way to generate more attack. With the talent we have on this team, there is no excuse. These guys have to produce because the attack won't come from our defense. We must build a cushion to help precisely this defense. “

Young Phoenix goalie Jasmin Simon faced a 37-shot barrage in the game.

Sherbrooke was without the services of forward Israel Mianscum, suspended for two games following a blow to the head of a Foreurs player on Wednesday night. It was rookie Colin Ratt who took his place in the roster.

Once again, the Phoenix featured a very young roster, with nine rookies in uniform, including its two goalkeepers.

“We changed some things in defense, to adjust to the fact that we have four rookies with us. But our problems are not so much in the structure of the game, as in the decisions we make during the game. On the first goal, our goalkeeper was not ready. While on the third, we were badly positioned in the neutral zone. “

Huskies and Phoenix will meet Saturday afternoon at the Iamgold Arena, starting at 4 p.m.

Young Sherbrooke goaltender David Provencher should get his first start in the QMJHL.

“We have to build on our intention. We put in the effort, the work ethic is there. But we must not put our heads in the sand. We have things to work on. I see that we are sometimes out of breath when we play catch-up hockey. Our form of the game is not yet ready, ”said the head coach.

And registering the first goal in the match could certainly help the Sherbrooke team to regain the confidence that was one of its main strengths last year.

“Last year, we did not suffer defeat when we were the first to score,” Stéphane Julien correctly launched.

Sherbrooke, a bubble city?

Some information circulated Friday that the Phoenix has initiated steps, or discussions, to become a bubble city for teams located in the orange and yellow zone.

If he confirms having held some exploratory discussions with a few counterparts in the circuit, Stéphane Julien does not want to add too much.

“These are discussions, nothing more, for now. We are looking at what will happen with the bubble city project for the teams in the red zone, in Quebec, and we will see later. There are still too many details to attach before we can really talk about a viable project, “said the head coach, adding that with the cases of COVID identified in the region in the last days, everything could change quickly .

The cities of Baie-Comeau, Rouyn-Noranda, Rimouski and Val-d'Or would be targeted.

The QMJHL is still waiting for the green light for its project in Quebec, or even in Shawinigan, a tournament that would take place for a dozen days.