ECHL: Tough weekend for the Lions

A hopeful weekend following a big emotional win over the Growlers. This is how the Lions went to Reading this weekend. On the other hand, a poor performance by the goaltenders practically destroyed any hope of the playoffs for Marc-André Bergeron’s squad.

The last shot on goal will win the match

Friday evening, we were treated to a scoring festival when the goalkeepers of the two teams did not seem to be in top shape. On the Lions’ side, Joe Vrbetic was the chosen one, and he had a great performance against the Growlers last Saturday. On the Royals’ side, they could count on veteran Pat Nagle. The Royals started the game strong with a goal in the first minute! The Lions replied with two goals from Matthew Barron in less than 3 minutes. The first period finally ended with a score of 3-3.
The second period was equally thrilling, with two goals from each side, including a Royals goal in the first minute that knocked Vrbetic out of the net. Francis Marotte then replaced him. The score after two periods was 5-5. The third period was the story of the Royals, who controlled the game and ended the debate by adding two goals and stealing the game 7-5.

Don’t Wake the Sleeping Lion

That’s how the Royals figured out how to play against the Lions on Saturday night. Indeed, the troop of Marc-André Bergeron forgot to show up at the arena for this game leaving goaltender Francis Marotte by himself in front of his net. Luckily, the latter was in very good shape, repelling 33 of the 37 shots received in his direction. Unfortunately, he couldn’t do anything against the flamboyant Barratt, who had a night of three goals and one assist. On the Lions’ side, only the club’s number one passer, Brett Stapley, managed to beat Nagle, who only faced 19 shots, including only three in the third period.

Powerplay, you said?

Sunday’s game can be resumed with one word: powerplay. Indeed, the Lions were able to capitalize on the indiscipline of the Royals and the generosity of the referees to extract a victory at Reading on Sunday afternoon. The match started in force with a fight between Cedrick Montminy and Will Mackinnon after only 1:30 in the game. The Royals, thanks to Alec Butcher, opened the score in the middle period. The Lions replicated on the powerplay thanks to a precise shot from Ryan Francis. The period ended with another goal from Evan Barratt. The second period is almost without history. Robust game and only a goal for the Royals. In the third period, this is where everything was spoiled for the Royals. The Lions were able to take advantage of two five on three and repeated penalties to score four goals without response and save themselves with a victory of 6 to 4 and return home with two points on a possibility of six, thanks to the brilliance of Joe Vrbetic.

Next match for the Lions is this Wednesday against those same Royals but this time home at Colisée Vidéotron. We are expecting a big crowd for this game against two teams who seem to grow a big rivalry between them.