GDT - Sept, 16, 2007 - Sea Dogs vs Rocket

[dogcatcher]

Dogs taste victory
QMJHL Chris Di Domenico enjoys four-point afternoon for Saint John

Andrew McGilligan
Telegraph-Journal
Published Monday September 17th, 2007
Appeared on page B10

CHARLOTTETOWN - Chris Di Domenico was a one-man special teams unit, notching two shorthanded goals and a power-play marker in the Saint John Sea Dogs' 6-3 win over the Prince Edward Island Rocket at the Charlottetown Civic Centre in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League action on Sunday.


"It was big for me, big for the team and it feels good going home with a win," Di Domenico said.

Saint John dominated the early part of the first and was rewarded for the quick start. Just past the five-minute mark, Saint John defenceman Yann Sauve fired a shot from the point that found its way through a maze and past Rocket goalie Antoine Lafleur for a 1-0 lead.

The lead was short-lived.

Less than two minutes later, Geoff Walker put the puck past Sea Dogs goalie Robert Mayer, who was making his first QMJHL start. Fredericton's Lucas McKinley drew an assist on the tally.

Saint would retake the lead while playing a man down at the 8:37 mark. Di Domenico stole the puck at the Sea Dogs blue-line with captain Alex Grant in the box for interference and broke in alone, sliding a shot past Lafleur.

Sparks began to fly at the 16:26 mark when a high stick by Brett Gallant drew the ire of two Rocket players, Brian Main and Jordan Southorn. The Saint John tough guy held his own against the pair, landing shots on both Rocket players as the linesmen tried to break up the melee. Both Gallant and Main were ejected.

Saint John outshot the Rocket 18-3 in the frame.

The Sea Dogs would extend the lead to 3-1 at 5:43 of the second. With a two-man advantage, Francois Gauthier unleashed a rocket into the top corner after taking a one-time pass from David Stich.

Di Domenico would make it 4-1 with his second shorthanded goal of the game at 8:13. With Steven Anthony in the box, Sauve fired a clearing shot off the boards which was picked up by Di Domenico behind the defence. The 18-year-old forward went to the backhand on Lafleur, tucking it between the goalie's legs. The goal chased Lafleur from the contest in favour of Marc-Antoine Gelinas.

Di Domenico completed the hat trick at the 15:44 mark on the power play. Di Domenico took a cross-crease pass from Liske and fired it by Gelinas. With one second left in the middle frame, P.E.I. made it 5-2. Chris Doyle fired a shot from just inside the blue-line that handcuffed Mayer.

Ryan Sparling put the game out of reach 6:45 into the third. Sparling banged in a rebound past Gelinas off a Grant point shot. Di Domenico drew an assist for his fourth point of the contest, tying a club record for points in a game that was shared by three players, including himself. The others were Sparling and Bruce Crawford.

The Rocket cut the lead to 6-3 at the 13:41 point of the third. Doyle found a puck in front of the Saint John goal and whipped his second of the game past Mayer.

The Rocket would get no closer as Saint John recorded its first win of the season.

"I thought the kids battled and battled their hearts out," said Saint John head coach and general manager Jacques Beaulieu.

While happy with the win, Beaulieu was not content with the Rocket "jumping" his players late in the game.

"We got five guys cut in the face and three guys jumped," he said. "It was goonery, I don't like it and hopefully the league will look at it."

[playoffbound]

Have to agree with the post by coady99, have seen this for a while now but the game yesterday Sparling is so patient with the puck and the desicions he makes are outstanding. Very creative with the puck and makes some unbelievable passes. With Dido and Liske able to finish, they should do very well. The line of Dido, Sparling and Liske have had 2 very good games to date. Sparling and Dido killing penalities have been great, they are working very well together right now. Hopefully continues.

[dogbert]

dogcatcher said:

Hell even Chicoutimi has a better atmosphere than PEI.

OW!!! ;D

[habh8er]

Great road win for the Sea Dogs(and cheering section) wish I could have caught the game, but from what I've been reading this one had it all. Dido with 2 shorthanded goals and 4 points(thought the rest of the league was watching for him this year.. someone forgot) Gallant fighting a tag team(gotta find video of that one) Sea Dogs fans being escorted out of the building. All on a Sunday afternoon, good thing it wasn't a Saturday night, there may have been a line brawl ..or worse.

Nice to see the Dogs with their first "W" of the season before the home opener, should take some pressure off them during the week and they will be ready to go in front of a large crowd on Friday. Good to see Knox was able to play in this game..as I'm sure he had it marked on his calendar from day one. Him on a grinding, banging line kind of surprised me, but from all accounts it sounds as if that line of Gallant-Knox-Thomas was very effective, surprised because every time I've seen him hit someone here, he's the one going down, but as long as it works.. Looking forward to the 27th when the Rocket make their first trip to Saint John, as JB said in the paper "it was goonery I don't like it..." I think our squad should be able to hold their own in that department ...should the league not look at it, I'm sure it will be taken care of appropriately!

[IslandersHKY]

Thought I would jump on here and add a few comments about the Sea Dogs win from a Rocket fan’s perspective.

Firstly I want to say that I enjoyed watching the Sea Dogs yesterday. Some of those young players are starting to hit their potential and it was a nice blend of speed and grit.

Players who I thought looked very good were obviously DiDomenico who showed great speed and really drove the net well all night. All three of his goals were great ones especially the first one where he scored while getting hauled down.

Sparling looked like a seasoned veteran, very patient with the puck and made nice plays although a little lazy at times. Liske was one of the guys who impressed me the most with his strong puck control and thought he looked like one of the game’s stars.

Grant and Sauve really controlled the play both offensively and defensively and looked great. Sauve especially who is a great skater for such a big defenseman. Despres although certainly a rookie impressed me with his obvious potential.

Other players who really caught my eye were Leduc who really made that second line effective and MacNeil who was much better than my impression of him from last season.

Having said that to put things in perspective some negative comments would be:

I was expecting more from Knox and don’t understand why: 1) he was buried on the 4th line with grinders, 2) he still only got limited ice time even in a blow out game. After watching Knox dominate with the Capitals I was looking forward to seeing him but he looked out of place last night.

Anthony didn’t impress me at all and I may know understand why Halifax and others passed on paying his ransom. Don’t get me wrong Anthony showed flashes of top level skill but he didn’t really look like a standout 16 yr old, although it was obviously only 1 game.

And Gallant looked like an idiot last night. The first couple of shifts before he got kicked he ran around not even interested in the play. Then as Main was circling the Rocket’s net, Gallant took a 1-arm swing at Main from behind and caught him in the head. Main obviously went down and Southorn (a complete non-fighter) grabbed him and Gallant started throwing punches. Southorn threw some back with the linemen between them and Main jumped up and got involved. It was not some big 1-2 fight as some described it. Simply 3 players involved each throwing a few punches with the linesmen inbetween, nothing special. And a match was the right call on the play as it was clearly reckless use of Gallant’s stick and Main is lucky Gallant didn’t swing his stick harder.

As well, the Rocket didn’t goon it up. Here were the other fights:

1) 160 lb rookie DesRoches grabbed Stich after he hit Walker dirty from behind. Full credit for DesRoches sticking up for Walker but he got overpowered Stich.

2) Walker went after Stich (who was more than willing) late in the 2nd which is why Stich got out.

3) Grant had a bad hit (although I don’t believe intentional) on I think Kana. The next shift during the play Walker said something as he skated by, Grant slashed him and when Walker stopped they basically dropped their gloves at the same time and Walker threw him down. Few punches were actually thrown but Walker got kicked out for his 2nd fight.

4) Not 100% exactly how this started but it was right off the face off and Leduc looked more than willing to go as both players backed up dropped their gloves and went. Paynter got the clear victory.

So I am not really sure what the comments about gooning it up come from, especially when the Rocket’s real fighters (Main, Wright, Gervais) didn’t go and the whole team didn’t even play physical. Beaulieu might have been pissed that Walker took it to both Stich and Grant but those guys were willing combatants. Paynter/Leduc was a little bit of a mismatch but I don’t think that Jean lined it up it appeared to simply happen.


As well, not to take anything away from the Sea Dogs win but from the Rocket’s point of view that was probably the worst effort I have seen from the Rocket in at least 2 yrs maybe ever. The first period of 18-3 told the story as no one on the Rocket was even skating and everyone was taking dumb penalties. And in reality the game was way more lopsided than the stats showed as there were 2 or 3 scrambles where the Rocket probably got 6 - 9 shots and Lafleur probably saved 2 or 3 almost sure goals. In reality this should have been an 8-2 game with the Rocket outshot something like 35 - 15/20.

Very very ugly performance by the Rocket which is why so many fans are angry on the Rocket board. Again I enjoyed watching the Sea Dogs team but unfortunately they were the only team who decided to show up yesterday.

[joey]

hockeyfan99 said:

Thought I would jump on here and add a few comments about the Sea Dogs win from a Rocket fan’s perspective.

Firstly I want to say that I enjoyed watching the Sea Dogs yesterday. Some of those young players are starting to hit their potential and it was a nice blend of speed and grit.

Players who I thought looked very good were obviously DiDomenico who showed great speed and really drove the net well all night. All three of his goals were great ones especially the first one where he scored while getting hauled down.

Sparling looked like a seasoned veteran, very patient with the puck and made nice plays although a little lazy at times. Liske was one of the guys who impressed me the most with his strong puck control and thought he looked like one of the game’s stars.

Grant and Sauve really controlled the play both offensively and defensively and looked great. Sauve especially who is a great skater for such a big defenseman. Despres although certainly a rookie impressed me with his obvious potential.

Other players who really caught my eye were Leduc who really made that second line effective and MacNeil who was much better than my impression of him from last season.

Having said that to put things in perspective some negative comments would be:

I was expecting more from Knox and don’t understand why: 1) he was buried on the 4th line with grinders, 2) he still only got limited ice time even in a blow out game. After watching Knox dominate with the Capitals I was looking forward to seeing him but he looked out of place last night.

Anthony didn’t impress me at all and I may know understand why Halifax and others passed on paying his ransom. Don’t get me wrong Anthony showed flashes of top level skill but he didn’t really look like a standout 16 yr old, although it was obviously only 1 game.

And Gallant looked like an idiot last night. The first couple of shifts before he got kicked he ran around not even interested in the play. Then as Main was circling the Rocket’s net, Gallant took a 1-arm swing at Main from behind and caught him in the head. Main obviously went down and Southorn (a complete non-fighter) grabbed him and Gallant started throwing punches. Southorn threw some back with the linemen between them and Main jumped up and got involved. It was not some big 1-2 fight as some described it. Simply 3 players involved each throwing a few punches with the linesmen inbetween, nothing special. And a match was the right call on the play as it was clearly reckless use of Gallant’s stick and Main is lucky Gallant didn’t swing his stick harder.

As well, the Rocket didn’t goon it up. Here were the other fights:

1) 160 lb rookie DesRoches grabbed Stich after he hit Walker dirty from behind. Full credit for DesRoches sticking up for Walker but he got overpowered Stich.

2) Walker went after Stich (who was more than willing) late in the 2nd which is why Stich got out.

3) Grant had a bad hit (although I don’t believe intentional) on I think Kana. The next shift during the play Walker said something as he skated by, Grant slashed him and when Walker stopped they basically dropped their gloves at the same time and Walker threw him down. Few punches were actually thrown but Walker got kicked out for his 2nd fight.

4) Not 100% exactly how this started but it was right off the face off and Leduc looked more than willing to go as both players backed up dropped their gloves and went. Paynter got the clear victory.

So I am not really sure what the comments about gooning it up come from, especially when the Rocket’s real fighters (Main, Wright, Gervais) didn’t go and the whole team didn’t even play physical. Beaulieu might have been pissed that Walker took it to both Stich and Grant but those guys were willing combatants. Paynter/Leduc was a little bit of a mismatch but I don’t think that Jean lined it up it appeared to simply happen.


As well, not to take anything away from the Sea Dogs win but from the Rocket’s point of view that was probably the worst effort I have seen from the Rocket in at least 2 yrs maybe ever. The first period of 18-3 told the story as no one on the Rocket was even skating and everyone was taking dumb penalties. And in reality the game was way more lopsided than the stats showed as there were 2 or 3 scrambles where the Rocket probably got 6 - 9 shots and Lafleur probably saved 2 or 3 almost sure goals. In reality this should have been an 8-2 game with the Rocket outshot something like 35 - 15/20.

Very very ugly performance by the Rocket which is why so many fans are angry on the Rocket board. Again I enjoyed watching the Sea Dogs team but unfortunately they were the only team who decided to show up yesterday.

lol, What is a forth line suppose to do . Hit hit hit, Gallant and Thomas does that very well with a little help from Knox if you can beleive that. Your saying that if a team goes in their and plays the body on your little babies their idiots. Get use to it with the type of team you have its going to happen pretty regular except maybe when you play Cape Breton as they have a simalar style team as you have .If Southorn is a none fighter why did he go after Gallant and with that Main was not that hurt that he jumped up and got involved in a fight that was already going on.COWARD And to piss you off even more as it said from a Rocket fan Gallant beat them both anyway. What are you going to do when your little babies leave the ccc because when you pick a team like you have teams are going to take advantage of it.Let the rivelry begin . Cant wait to see you in St John because Im sure the coaches remember how you ran the score up last year and the same as yesterday when Gallant left all of a sudden your a tough team like last year Prought going after a young Grant when he would not look to fight earlier in the game.

[bois]

What the hell are you talking about?

HF actually described the game and the fights fairly accurately except the walker-Stich one.. that was Walker simply jumping Stich at the end of a period but it was in retaliation of Stich's hit earlier.. but still I can see why JB would be upset at that one

and Gallant didn't beat anyone.. there was no fight

[canucklehead]

Thanks for the positive feedback and just to touch on a few of the negative comments.

Knox likely won't stay on that line long it was his first game back in since preseason likely just getting his legs back.

I don't know about Gallant looking like an idiot last night I mean he didn't even play long enough to look like an idiot and I have to say one started to fight him then the other guy jumped in thus making it 2 on 1 not to say Main shouldn't have been upset because of the highstick.

The fights were actually pretty lame the only decent scrap was Leduc and Paynter and that wasn't much either the other ones were more of a wrestling match which is a good thing for DesRoches & Walker cuz the Animal was geared up!

As far as gooning it up out there I dunno cuz everytime something started they were on the ice wrestling with the linesmen on top of em. Speaking of linesmen they were lucky they didn't get popped jumping right in the middle of a fight is very dangerous!

As much of it was a bad performance by the Rocket it was equally as impressive a game by the Sea Dogs but I'm sure the Rocket are capable of much more then they showed for the first 2 periods and a good portion of the 3rd. I had to check with DC to make sure I was looking at the right shot totals lol.

Oh yeah and Swit is an awful waste of a 20 spot likely gonna have to keep him until at least Christmas then hope for a late draft pick then again were the Rocket only playing with 5 defensemen last night? Q site only has 5 guys listed?

[bois]

Main was on D yesterday so yeah we were down to 5 after he was kicked out

Malouin was a scratch and Deighan had been injured Friday night

[canucklehead]

bois said:

Main was on D yesterday so yeah we were down to 5 after he was kicked out

Malouin was a scratch and Deighan had been injured Friday night

Man that's rough lol and one of them is Swit lol

Main is a forward is he not or does he do both?

[bois]

Main is interchangeable

I personally would prefer to play him on D.. with the young defense we have... but he can also play as a checking line forward yes

[canucklehead]

Well I guess we just got better with Picard-Hooper coming to town

[IslandersHKY]

As Bois mentioned Main came up as a defenseman but last season Gatineau converted him into a 4th line energy forward. Personally I also like him much better on defense as he can play a regular shift on the 3rd pairing and really contribute. Although he did look good on our 3rd line playing forward against Halifax on Friday I just think we need him more on defense.

And in response to Joey's ramblings I had no problem with the fact that the Sea Dogs players were hitting in fact as I metioned in my original post I gave them credit for it here:

hockeyfan99 said:

Firstly I want to say that I enjoyed watching the Sea Dogs yesterday. Some of those young players are starting to hit their potential and it was a nice blend of speed and grit.

The only player I disliked was Gallant because he wasn't playing hockey he simply ran around like an idiot on Sunday before eventually getting kicked out.

As Canucklehead mentioned the Sea Dogs played a good game and dominated but the Rocket played one of the worst games I have ever seen them play. That is no knock on the Sea Dogs who earned a big win just a fact that the Rocket can play MUCH MUCH better.


EDIT * SORRY CANUCKLEHEAD *

[canucklehead]

Why does everyone change my name lol ;D

[dogbert]

hockeyfan99 said:

4) Not 100% exactly how this started but it was right off the face off and Leduc looked more than willing to go as both players backed up dropped their gloves and went. Paynter got the clear victory.

The webcast goof made it sound like Leduc sucker punched him as he turned away. It was amazing how every Sea Dog check was a hit from behind or a hack while the Rockets' were simple take-outs. I don't know his name, but I won't be listening to him ever again.