What a thrilling game, from start to finish. Game six kicked off Tuesday night in Quebec. The Trois-Rivières Lions, determined to clinch the North Division title and advance to the Eastern Conference Final, hosted the Norfolk Admirals. Trois-Rivières once again relied on Luke Cavallin’s netminding, while the Admirals stuck with the reliable Thomas Milic as tendy. Despite the challenges of Game 5, including numerous incomplete passes and bouncing pucks due to ice conditions, the Lions were ready for battle. With the series at 3-2, the Admirals knew this game could decide their fate.
First Period
As the puck dropped, the tension was palpable. Andrew Coxhead, with the second shot on goal, scored for the Lions, showcasing their regrouping and determination.
Admirals’ Connor Fedorek, on his first shift of the game, fought and tied the score 1-1.
With 11:37 to go, the Admirals took the lead with a goal by Justin Young. Despite this, the Lions’ teamwork was evident, with both teams having moments in the game. Norfolk controlled the puck more this period, with ten shots on goal compared to Trois-Rivières’ six.
Second Period
The second period was a display of strategic play from both teams. At 5:15, Chris Jandric’s goal for the Lions tied the score at 2-2. The Admirals’ Brandon Osmundson put the Lions on a power play with 14 seconds left in the period. Despite this advantage, the Lions had to navigate the Admirals’ defense while Osmundson sat in the penalty box for holding.
Jakov Novak gave the Lions their second lead, making it 3-2. Brandon Osmundson made up for his earlier penalty and tied the game at three with 6:41 remaining. Ryan Chyzowski, with ten seconds left, was called for tripping, sending the Admirals to the penalty box. The period ended with 1:50 left on the power play; Thomas Milic made nine saves, and Luke Cavallin made ten..
Third Period
The faceoff took place with the Lions still on the power play. The 110 seconds wound down, and as it expired, Lions’ Nicolas Guay sent one home, high blocker side, making it 4-3. Three shots later, Lions’ Justin Ducharme took a slashing penalty, putting the Admirals on their first power play of the night. The last ten minutes saw tight play, with only four shots made. Anthony Beauregard gave the Lions a two-goal lead, making it 5-3 with two minutes left.
The Admirals pulled Thomas Milic, and with each puck drop, they left the defensive zone for the final two minutes, choosing to go with the extra attacker. Anthony Beauregard took control of the puck and sealed it with an empty-net goal, making it 6-3. Game six closed with Thomas Milic making five saves and Luke Cavallin four. Trois-Rivières wins.
Stars of the Game (All from the Lions)
Upcoming
Trois-Rivières will now face the Florida Everblades in the Eastern Conference Finals. Florida has been the reigning Eastern Conference Champion for the past three years, making this a significant challenge for the Lions. Each year, the Everblades have gone on to win the Kelly Cup, so a victory for the Lions would be a major upset. Game one of the seven-game series will be announced soon. The first game of the Western Conference Finals between the Toledo Walleye and last season’s defending Conference Champs, the Kansas City Mavericks, takes place Thursday, May 15th, at 7:05 CDT, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the season.
Discover more from Inside The Rink
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
