CHL Playoff Notebook: April 19, 2019
The third round of playoff action opened in the QMJHL and WHL on Friday:
Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
Drummondville Voltigeurs centre Felix Lauzon picked up a point on each tally, counting one goal and two assists, as his squad took Game 1 against the 2019 Memorial Cup presented by Kia host Halifax Mooseheads by a 3-1 score. The series resumes Saturday in Drummondville.
Five unanswered tallies, including a two-goal effort by left-wing Joel Teasdale, guided the first-place Rouyn-Noranda Huskies to a 5-1 victory over the Rimouski Oceanic for an early 1-0 series lead. The Oceanic will look to even the third-round matchup with a road win Saturday.
Justin Bergeron led the way with 3 assists, Joël Teasdale scored twice, while Félix Bibeau and Jakub Lauko had 1 goal and 1 helper each to guide the @HuskiesRn to a 5-1 series opening win over the @oceanicrimouski. #PresidentCup #QPlayoffs https://t.co/U0ZKQ6LhiD
— QMJHL (@QMJHL) April 20, 2019
Western Hockey League
Vancouver Giants left-wing Owen Hardy impressed with a three-point outing, including one goal and two assists, as his club picked up a 4-1 decision in Game 1 versus the rival Spokane Chiefs, which saw Hardy recognized as the game’s second star for his efforts. The Giants will look to tie the series on Saturday on home ice.
Early in the second, the @WHLGiants strike again! Owen Hardy directs it home on the rush! #VANvsSPO | #WHLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/ATPEHNcBGu
— The WHL (@TheWHL) April 20, 2019
A lone tally by rookie right-wing Ozzy Wiesblatt was all that was needed as the league-leading Prince Albert Raiders came away with a tidy 1-0 series-opening victory over the Edmonton Oil Kings, which also saw netminder Ian Scott turn aside 26 shots for his second shutout of the playoffs. The Oil Kings will now look to find the win column Saturday before heading home for Game 3.
Ontario Hockey League
The Ottawa 67’s return to the ice Saturday when they will look to push their third-round series edge to 2-0 following Thursday’s 6-4 comeback win over the Oshawa Generals. Meanwhile, the Guelph Storm hope to rebound Saturday after dropping Game 1 versus the Saginaw Spirit in which the team came out on the losing end of a 7-2 final.