Lewiston hosts Shawinigan Sunday.
By Justin Pelletier
Staff Writer

LEWISTON – The Lewiston Maineiacs are nearing the end of the season, and according to coach Mario Durocher that means exam time.

“We have just 16 games left,” Durocher said. “Now is the time for the players to show me that they want to play in the playoffs. The past two losses, I can take some of the blame for decisions, but now it’s time for them to show me that they want to play on the special teams, that they want to play in the playoffs.”

On Sunday, the Maineiacs welcome Shawinigan to town for a rematch one week after rallying for a 5-5 tie in Shawinigan.

“They are a team we can beat,” Durocher said. “We have to pay attention to details. They are a team in the same situation as we are, they have struggled in the last week or so, so it is up to us to determine this game.”

The Maineiacs’ last two games have been disappointing divisional losses to Chicoutimi (5-3) and Quebec (4-3), and in the Quebec game, Lewiston allowed three goals while the Remparts had an extra skater.

“I don’t know that they played badly in that game,” Durocher said, “but we have to do the little things better. We need to communicate, finish our checks, and we need to have a solid forecheck all the time.”

Lewiston currently sits in ninth overall and is chasing Rouyn-Noranda, Chicoutimi, Rimouski and Shawinigan for position in the final 16 games of the season.

Prior to Saturday’s games, Lewiston sat in ninth place with 52 points, while Shawinigan held tough in sixth with 67. Drummondville, in 10th place, is just three points back of the Maineiacs.

“The goal now is to be ready for the playoffs,” Durocher said. “It’s time for the players to show that they are getting ready.”

jpelletier@sunjournal.com

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