Islanders Answer Back, Even Series with Gritty Game 4 Win
The Charlottetown Islanders showed resilience when it mattered most.
After a heartbreaking loss just 24 hours earlier, the Islanders bounced back in a big way on Wednesday night, earning a hard-fought 3-2 victory over the Quebec Remparts at the Centre Vidéotron to even their first-round playoff series at 2-2.
In a game defined by discipline, timely scoring, and stellar goaltending, Charlottetown delivered the response they needed to regain momentum heading into a pivotal Game 5.
For the fourth straight game, Quebec opened the scoring early, as Maddox Dagenais struck just two minutes into the first period.
But the Islanders didn’t waver.
With the lineup bolstered by the return of Ivan Ryabkin and leading scorer Nathan Leek, Charlottetown found its footing as the period progressed. Ryabkin made an immediate impact in his return, slipping one through late in the frame to tie the game 1-1 heading into intermission.
The second period saw Charlottetown lean into its structure, despite continued struggles on the power play.
After killing off pressure and weathering a physical stretch of play, the Islanders grabbed their first lead of the night thanks to a strong effort from their top unit. A relentless forecheck led to Ross Campbell finishing off a slick passing play from Leek and Ryabkin, giving Charlottetown a 2-1 advantage.
From there, Donald Hickey took over.
The Islanders netminder stood tall during a late push from Quebec, turning aside quality chances to preserve the lead through 40 minutes.
The Islanders delivered one of their biggest moments of the series early in the third.
Shorthanded, Antoine Provencher capitalized with what would end up being the game-winning goal to extend the lead to 3-1. A massive swing that gave Charlottetown breathing room and shifted pressure back onto Quebec.
Still, the Remparts pushed late.
A controversial penalty call against the Islanders in the final minutes gave Quebec life, and after killing off the man advantage, the Remparts managed to pull within one with just over a minute to play.
But this time, there would be no late collapse.
Charlottetown locked things down defensively in the final seconds, sealing a statement 3-2 victory.
Donald Hickey was the difference-maker once again, earning first star honours with 22 saves on 24 shots. His calm presence and timely stops gave the Islanders the stability they needed, especially during key moments in the second and third periods.
Ivan Ryabkin also made his presence felt in his return, recording a goal and an assist in a strong two-point performance.
Looking Ahead to Game 5
With the series now tied 2-2, the focus quickly shifts to a crucial Game 5 on Friday night back at the Centre Vidéotron.
The Islanders will look to build off the positives from Game 4, structured defensive play, timely scoring, and strong goaltending, while continuing to search for answers on the power play, which has yet to find its rhythm in the series.
Special teams and discipline remain key storylines. Charlottetown showed improvement in managing the game late, but with the series tightening, every penalty and opportunity will carry even greater weight.
With momentum back on their side and confidence restored, the Islanders now have a golden opportunity to take control of the series heading into the final stretch.
Puck drop for Game 5 is set for Friday night in Quebec City.
