The Montreal Canadiens ECHL affiliate punched a ticket to the postseason.
by Chris G, Rocket Sports, Montreal Canadiens blogger
The Trois-Rivieres Lions went on the road for three games, starting against the Wheeling Nailers (Pittsburgh Penguins) on Wednesday, followed by two tilts against the Reading Royals (Philadelphia Flyers) on Friday and Saturday.
The Lions opened the scoring early in the first period as Logan Nijhoff beat the goalie on a breakaway. It remained a one-goal game until the final moments of the third period when Justin Ducharme added an empty netter. Luke Cavallin made 25 saves to record his third shutout of the season.
Friday: Trois-Rivieres Lions 5 - Reading Royals 3
The Canadiens affiliate opened the scoring in the final moments of their first power play opportunity when Nicolas Guay tipped Tommy Cormier’s shot across the goal line. The Royals tied it before the intermission, but Trois-Rivieres took the lead again in the second period when Tommy Cormier drove to the net and beat the goalie with a shot between the pads. Later, Jacob Paquette banked his own rebound for the goal to increase the lead through 40 minutes. Reading cancelled the lead early in the third period with two goals in 21 seconds. Nijhoff broke the tie with under five minutes remaining by redirecting Wyatt McLeod’s point shot. Isaac Dufort’s empty net goal sealed the win.
The Flyers affiliate led 1-0 in the first period when Chris Jandric’s shot from the blue line found its way to the back of the net for the tying goal. Brock Caufield, brother of Canadiens forward Cole, gave Reading the lead back with a goal before the first intermission. That was sufficient as the teams were scoreless in the final 40 minutes.
Playoff Spot Clinched
Friday’s win clinched a playoff spot for Ron Choules’ squad for a second consecutive season and for the third time in the franchise’s four-year history. In their first two appearances, the Lions made first round exits.
Roster News
The Rocket recalled Jakov Novak and Vincent Sevigny on Thursday as they headed to a weekend doubleheader against the Utica Comets. With the recent injuries to David Reinbacher, Rafael Harvey-Pinard and Alex Beaucage, Novak and Sevigny may potentially stay in the AHL for the upcoming week.
Up Next
The Lions host the Adirondack Thunder (New Jersey Devils) on Friday at Colisee Videotron and jump on the bus for a doubleheader against the Worcester Railers (New York Islanders) on Saturday and Sunday.
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
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