Coming off a loss to the Lehigh Vallaey Phantoms on Friday night, St. John’s IceCaps head coach Sylvain Lefebvre decided to give Ben Scrivens his debut for his new club. Unfortunately, it didn’t go as hoped.
A Ryan Johnston defensive-zone turnover led to the opening goal from Lehigh Valley. Adam Wilcox threw a puck on net from a bad angle, which hit the skate of an IceCaps defenceman and beat Scrivens.
Five minutes later, another defensive-zone error lead to a Phantoms goal. Miscommunication between John Scott and Morgan Ellis led to veteran Tim Brent being left alone in the high slot. Brent sent a backhand over Scrivens’ shoulder, and into the top corner.
Lehigh Valley added to their lead before the intermission. Colin McDonald came bursting down the wing while IceCaps defenceman Josiah Didier lined him up for a big hit. Didier missed the hit, completely taking himself out of the play, which led to McDonald being in all alone. The former NHLer made no mistake, making a great move on Scrivens before sliding it five-hole.
It was a tough period for Scrivens, allowing three goals on a mere six shots.
The IceCaps poured it on in the second period, firing 16 shots at Phantoms goalie Martin Ouellette. But just as in Friday’s game, Ouellette was solid between the pipes, keeping his team’s three-goal lead intact through two periods.
In the third, a short-handed goal from Phantoms forward Cole Bardreau put the game out of reach.
After going six months without being shutout, the IceCaps have had it happen twice in the last three games. The good news for IceCaps fans is that Lefebvre hinted in his post-game scrum that reinforcements from the CHL should join the team upon the completion of their seasons.
Daniel Audette‘s Sherbrooke Phoenix were eliminated from the QMJHL playoff’s this weekend. So don’t be surprised if he’s signed to an ATO, and joins the team this week.
Goaltenders:
St. John’s: Ben Scrivens (L) 19/23 2 PIM
Lehigh Valley: Martin Ouellette (W) 31/31
Three stars:
1. Martin Ouellette
2. Colin McDonald
