Ben Duffy's third period powerplay goal became the eventual game-winning goal as the P.E.I. Rocket edged the Baie-Comeau Drakkar 3-2 Friday night at the Charlottetown Civic Centre.
The win for the Rocket improves their season record to 14-30-2-2, but remain last overall in the league.
Rocket goaltender Maxime Lagace, who made 23 saves for third-star honours, said the team played great.
"We had a couple of penalties but our penalty kill played well. I think I did what I had to do and players did great so I'm pretty happy with the game."
Jimmy Oligny's second goal of the season opened the scoring at 15:29 of the first period and gave the Rocket the 1-0 lead. Matej Beran and Duffy drew the assists.
On the powerplay, Drakkar's Jonathan Lessard tied the game at one, two minutes later.
In the second period, Victor Provencher gave the Rocket a 2-1 lead with his 16th of the season at 2:43. Duffy and Jessyko Bernard drew the assists.
Duffy's 28th goal of the year gave the Rocket a 3-1 lead at 1:26 on the powerplay. Beran and Oligny drew the assists.
Drakkar's Samuel Carrier went five-hole on Lagace to cut the Rocket lead to one at 16:54.
Lagace said he wasn't too nervous during the last few minutes of the game with his team holding a one-goal lead.
"It was my bad, it was not the best goal. It was just the same job I had all game; just stop the puck. Sure, when there's six guys around you, you don't know where they're going to go but it's still fun."
Drakkar goaltender Philippe Cadorette, who was recently named CHL Vaughn Goaltender of the Week, made 22 saves in the loss.
The Rocket host the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada Saturday night at 7 p.m. The Rocket need to play the same way, said Lagace.
"Not take as many penalties…and I think we should win the game tomorrow night."
The P.E.I. Rocket will be honouring several Holland College teams tomorrow night during The Holland College Hurricanes Night of Champions. Holland College students can purchase a ticket for $5 by presenting their college ID.
nolan@theqspot.ca
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