Edmundston take home-ice advantage from Truro in Game 1 victory.
The Edmundston Blizzard came to the Rath Eastlink Community Centre in Truro and rolled to a 4-0 victory in Game 1 as they look to defend their Metalfab MHL Cup title. Olivier St-Onge stole the show for the Blizzard with a 40-save shutout. He got the start after starter Cedric Massé did not dress for the series opener. Meanwhile, Sam Berthiaume was listed as the starting goaltender for the Bearcats, and took part in warm-ups, but it was Eastlink South Division All-Star Louca Connolly who got his first start of the playoffs for Truro.
It was a bit of a feeling out process in the 1st period as the teams had not faced each other since November. Truro had the shot advantage 9-6, with each team hitting a goal post. Truro brought pressure through much of the 2nd period, but couldn’t find a way to beat St-Onge. The Blizzard then used their speed to take over the game in a stretch of 3:20 late in the period. Alex Thibault opened the scoring at 16:12, followed by Eliott Guenette at 17:20, and Noah Larochelle at 19:32.
Edmundston made it a 4-0 lead just sixteen seconds into the 3rd period as captain Émile Fournier scored his seventh goal of the playoffs. Truro had multiple chances in the 3rd period, including a four-minute powerplay, but could not convert as their woes with the man advantage continued with an 0-for-7 effort on Monday.
Connolly made 26 saves for the Bearcats, who now trail the series 1-0, with Game 2 Tuesday night in Truro.