Francis Trudel is normally a solid defensive defenseman for the Lewiston Maineiacs, but on Friday night, his prowess for scoring timely goals shone through.

Trudel took a feed from Alexandre Picard just 1:19 into overtime and beat Rimouski goaltender Cedrick Desjardins with a nifty backhand move to lift the Lewiston Maineiacs to a 3-2 overtime win over Rimouski in a crucial division matchup.

Lewiston has now defeated division-leading Rimouski four times in four tries this season.

“The guy we really need to thank is Brandon Verge,” said coach Ed Harding. “It was a frustrating game, and he kept us in it. He covered his angles well, he played at the top of his crease. He was just spectacular for us.”

Verge has been the goaltender of record in all four games againsr the Oceanique. Friday, he made 31 saves for the victory.

Lewiston opened the scoring early in the first period when Marc-Andre Cliche netted his fourth goal of the season. Playing on the power play, Cliche banged home a rebound in front after a shot from the point by Jonathan Paiement. Alexandre Picard picked up the second assist on the Maineiacs’ goal.

“Cliche is playing on a line with Picard and Gabriel Balasescu now,” said Harding. “I think he is ready for the challenge, I think he has matured well in the league and he deserves a chance. He looked very comfortable out there tonight.”

Penalties were few and far between early, as both teams jockeyed for position. Rimouski, of course, was playing without star forward Sidney Crosby. Linemate and former Sherbrooke Castors player Dany Roussin pulled the Oceanique even at 3:06 of the second period on a nice feed from Alexandre Vachon, beating Maineiacs’ goalie Brandon Verge.

Lewiston briefly took the lead at 5:34 of the third period when Maxime Robert converted a Pierre-Luc Faubert pass on a short-handed chance, giving the Maineiacs a 2-1 lead.

“Max just read their breakout play and went in after picking off the pass,” said Harding. “They tried the same play again the next time, and we overpursued, and we got in trouble.”

Trouble translated into Rimouski’s second goal of the night, just more than a minute later.

The Maineiacs play their second game in as many nights Saturday night when they travel to Acadie-Bathurst.

“I’d like to go into the Christmas break at .500,” said Harding. “We have four more games and we are three games away from that goal. I think we have a shot at doing that, but (Saturday’s) game is going to be a tough one.”

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