Things had started well for the Lac St. Louis midget AAA Lions in their playoffs first-round affair affair against the Collège Notre-Dame Albatros as they won the two first games played in Dollard des Ormeaux.
After two decisive losses in Rivière-du-Loup this weekend, the best-of-five series is now tied at two and the final game takes place tonight at the Dollard des Ormeaux Civic Centre.
Thanks to stellar play by centres Vimal Sukumaran and Maxime Fortier, the Lac St Louis midget AAA Lions seemed on top of the world after having beaten the Albatros 7-2 in game 2 following a 5-2 win the day before last Thursday.
Sukumaran had two goals, two assists, created two quality scoring chances on the penalty killing and was a constant nuisance to the adversary on the fore check. Fortier had a goal, an assist, was creative in the offensive zone and nearly broke free twice for two breakaways.
"We were waiting for a big match from the both of them. Fortier is good when he keeps his game simple and uses his speed. When he does that there aren't many defensemen who can't keep him on the outside," said Lions' head coach Jon Goyens.
"As for Vimal, he stayed disciplined both in terms of penalties and the game plan. He was a leader on the bench, in the dressing room. When he does that, he becomes more accountable so he starts gaining confidence and starts doing the things that give him good results," he added.
Things turned sour in Rivière-du-Loup on Saturday and Sunday as they Lions were cleanly defeated 6-0 on Saturday and 6-2 Sunday. Vincent Watt and Brandon Kosik got the goals for Lac St. Louis Sunday.
