St. John’s IceCaps Game Recap: IceCaps end the season with a win

Saturday night’s contest at Mile One Centre marked the end of the first season for the Montreal Canadiens AHL affiliate in St. John’s. The campaign ended the same way it started, with a win over the Hartford Wolf Pack.

Unfortunately for Habs and IceCaps fans alike, a lack of victories between that opening game and now, means no playoff hockey on The Rock this spring.

Eddie Pasquale got the nod between the pipes, in what was assumed to be a chance for the fan favourite to say farewell to the Mile One faithful. Pasquale, who was signed to an AHL contract this season, had previously spent three seasons with the old, Jets affiliated IceCaps. Although the “EDDIE, EDDIE” chants are common in St. John’s, it doesn’t look like the net minder will be back next season, due to a crowded crease which features Zachary Fucale and more than likely, Charlie Lindgren.

Before puck drop, the IceCaps gave out their annual team awards. Michael McCarron, Morgan Ellis, Gabriel Dumont, and Josiah Didier all were recognized for their successful seasons.

Once the puck dropped, it was a battle between Hartford’s starter, Mackenzie Skapski and Pasquale. As the period went on, it was clear it would take something special to beat the goalies. Both managed to keep the score deadlocked at one heading into the first intermission.

In the second period, Jayson Megna and Adam Tambellini came in on a two-on-one. Megna made a great pass to Tambellini, who’s beat Pasquale on the low-blocker side and put the visitors up by one.

The lead was short-lived, however. Jacob de la Rose went top shelf later in the frame, to tie things up at one a piece. It was the Swede’s seventh on the season, and his third in the last six games.

Late in the third, with the game looking like it was overtime bound, rookie winger, Tim Bozon rifled home a wrist shot that beat Skapski over his right shoulder. Bozon’s fifth of the season would be the game winner.