Welsh, Aquin lead Islanders to victory in Shawinigan
Coming off a 3-2 shootout victory in Quebec City on Saturday night, the Isles pulled into Shawinigan with their confidence riding high.
The Isles continued to ride the hot hand in this one, starting Matt Welsh in goal. On the other end of the ice, Lucas Fitzpatrick got the start for the Cataractes.
Shawinigan opened the scoring 8:45 into the first period on a goal from Andrew Askew. Askew, who had been serving a too many men penalty for his team, received a pass as he stepped out of the box, before going on to beat Matt Welsh on the breakaway.
The Isles answered back seven minutes later on a power play goal from assistant captain Pascal Aquin.
Just three minutes later, Aquin struck again.
With 42 seconds remaining in the opening period Aquin received a pass from linemate Keith Getson before firing his 11th of the season past Fitzpartick.
After 20 minutes of action the Isles led, 2-1.
The Islanders kept up the pressure in the second period, resulting in a Gregor MacLeod goal just over 6 minutes in.
The teams would trade chances for the remainder of the second frame, but after neither team was able to light the lamp the Isles went into the second intermission leading, 3-1.
After being shut down for the better part of the second period the Isles offence came back to life early in the third.
Just three minutes into the third period, forward Sullivan Sparkes knocked his 7th goal of the season past Fitzpatrick after receiving a great pass from Samuel Meisenheimer.
The Isles defence entered lock-down mode for the remainder of the period, limiting Shawinigan’s chances and subsequently coming away with the 4-1 victory.
Goaltending is the key to any great team, and Islanders Head Coach and General Manager Jim Hulton knows that.
“We played a very solid road game tonight. Goaltending and special teams were key as Matt Welsh was outstanding once again.”
The Isles walk away from Quebec with two big wins, and as far as Hulton is concerned, it was a successful road-trip for his team.
“Overall it was a very successful trip for this hardworking, gritty group.”
The Isles are back in action on Thursday as they take on the top-ranked Drummondville Voltigeurs at the EastLink Centre in Charlottetown. Puck-drop is set for 7pm.