September 14, 2012 - After losing twice in less than 24 hours against the Ottawa 67's last week, the Gatineau Olympiques (1-3-1) suffered a third straight defeat Friday night, losing this time by 5-4 in a shootout against the Cataractes (4-3-0) in Shawinigan.

The least we can say is that Gatineau played in two stages. After haven taken only 11 seconds before scoring the first goal of the evening, the Olympiques have dominated the reigning Memorial Cup Champions. They were significantly more aggressive along the ramps and on their forecheck. The only downside to the first 30 minutes of the game is unquestionably their power play. Although they got five power plays during the period, including three consecutive one in the first period, the visitors were never able to score a goal that would have signed the death warrant of Denis Chalifoux’s team. Or, if you prefer, have never been able to solve the riddle named Marvin Cüpper.

The summary of the game

The game was only 11 seconds old when the Olympiques scored the first goal of the game. Yannick Dubé (Beauregard & Burke), who took advantage of the weakness of the locals in the defensive territory, fired a low shot that surprised Marvin Cüpper between the legs. Even if they were dominated at all levels during the first third, the Cataractes still found a way to tie the game. Alexandre Grand-Maison (Bergeron & Donnelly), left alone in front of the crease, was able to score on Eric Brassard with a good shot into the top corner.

Far from abdicating Benoit Groulx’s troop took advantage of the second period to forge a comfortable two-goal lead. First, Martin Reway (Dubé) quickly restored the lead and, three minutes later, Taylor Burke (Reway) brought the score to 3-1.

If the visitors seemed to be in full control of the situation after 40 minutes of play, it was a whole different ball game in the third period. About 30 seconds after Tomas Hyka (Reway & Abbott) had scored the fourth goal for the Olympiques. J.C. Campagna (Jodoin & Gaudreau) quickly rushed to close the gap to two. Then, as the troop of Denis Chalifoux were playing five against three Frédérick Gaudreau (Narbonne & Maheux) scored on Brassard, a few minutes before Dylan Labbé (Pozgay & Arseneau), still with a man advantage , forced a shootout.

During the shootout only Campagna scored on Gatineau’s goaltender.

In a different vein, Brandon Belding and Vincent Arseneau dropped their gloves in the second period.

In the defeat, the Olympiques’ goaltender Eric Brassard concluded his night with 19 saves. As for Marvin Cüpper he stopped 33 of 37 shots he faced.

The last preseason game of the Olympiques will take place tonight, against the same Cataractes but this time the game will take place at the Baribeau Arena in Gatineau. The official faceoff is scheduled for 7h00pm.

Special collaboration, Simon Bédard