On the strength of three power-play goals, the Cataractes won their second straight
game at the Memorial Cup 3-2 over the Hamilton Bulldogs.
Bulldogs star Mason McTavish opened the scoring on their own tow man advantage power-play at 5:08 of the first. Xavier Bourgault and Mavrik Bourque continued to dominate in this tournament. Bourque set Bourgault on their first power-play goal at 6:47. Then, with the help of Olivier Nadeau, Bourgault returned the favour and set up Bourque at 11:42. It was 2-1 Cataractes after one. Hamilton peppered 19 shots on Cataractes goaltender Antoine Columbe during the period.
The Bulldogs were able to tie it in the second. Avery Hayes potted his second of the tournament at 17:26 to send us into the third tied at 2-2. In the third, the Cataractes power-play struck for the third and final time. With George Diaco off for hooking, Olivier Nadeau was set up the Bourgault and Bourque at 7:06 to give the Cataractes the win. Bourgault and Bourque set Nadeau for the winner on Tuesday against the Oil Kings.
The Cataractes were three for seven on the power-play tonight. They were one for five the Edmonton Oil Kings on Tuesday. They led the CHL with a 31.4% power-play during the regular season. Bourgault and Bourque had a goal and two assists. They both have five points in this tournament. As for Nadeau, he had a goal and an assist. Columbe made 38 saves on 40 shots for the win. For the Bulldogs, Marco Costantini made 31 saves on 34 shots to take the loss. Jan Mysak was named the third star. He had five shots on goal and was 50% in the faceoff circle.
Every team has played two games. Here are the standings.
- Shawinigan: 2-0-0-0 6 pts
- Saint John: 1-0-1-0 4 pts
- Edmonton: 1-1-0-1 2 pts
- Hamilton: 0-2-0-0 0 pts
The Oil Kings and Bulldogs play on Friday. The Bulldogs must win in regulation to advance to the semi-final on Monday. On Saturday, the Cataractes play the Sea Dogs. If the Sea Dogs win in regulation, they will advance to the Final on Wednesday.