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Memorial Cup Game 5: Val d’Or Foreurs Clinch Spot in Semi Finals in Double OT

By Caitlin Campbell

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How many of y’all stayed up to watch the end of game 5 in the Memorial Cup? The Val d’Or Foreurs and Edmonton Oil Kings needed a dramatic double overtime to declare a winner on Tuesday night. In the end the QMJHL champions came out on top and jumped into first place, thus booking their semi-final birth on Friday.

Photo credit to https://www.flickr.com/photos/greghickman/

Once again the Foreurs needed the final few minutes of the third period to score a dramatic goal which drove the dagger deeper into the Oil Kings who game up a 2-0 lead. The Foreurs scored the tying goal late in the third period to force the game into overtime.

Here are some of the key items from last night’s dramatic double OT game.

  • When the tournament began, many believed the pressure for the Foreurs would fall squarely on Anthony Mantha, however, 3 games in and Mantha has not been carrying the load. In fact, other than an assist, Mantha was held off the score sheet last night. The good news is the rest of the Foreurs are stepping up and filling the scoring void, while Mantha is busy setting up the play. Anthony Richard led the way last night with a goal and an assist, including the double OT game winner.
  • The Foreurs have gone into overtime 7 times in their QMJHL playoff run, over time sure seems to serve the slow starting Val d’Or Foreurs well.
  • The Edmonton Oil Kings fired 50 shots on the Foreurs net and dominated the offence for most the night. Unfortunately for the Oil Kings, Antoine Bibeau brought his “A” game after a rough outing on Monday and stoned the Oil Kings after the first. Bibeau has now stopped 98 shots against in his two Memorial Cup wins. One could easily argue that Antoine Bibeau has been the Foreurs MVP through the Memorial Cup with his solid goaltending, he has undoubtedly been a game changer for the them.
  • For a team who’s strength is their defence, the Oil Kings had a very rough game after developing a quick 2-0 game. The Oil Kings normally would have shut down the fort and hung on for the win, however they could not keep the lead last night. The Oil Kings defence has been great in this tournament, compared to their WHL play. Their offence was flying, generating 50 shots, but could strap down the defence which is not normal for them.
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