The Lewiston Maineiacs made short work of the Shawinigan Cataractes, dispatching them from the playoffs with four straight victories.

The win in the first round of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League playoffs, clinched in overtime Wednesday night, gives the Maineiacs a week to prepare for their next game, which will be on the road.

More than 2,600 fans turned out for the triumph, celebrating as the team advances to the second round. Tickets go on sale at 8:30 a.m. today for two tentative home games on April 12 and 13.

The break will give the team’s players time to get healthy and regain their legs after a long season and the sweep of the Cataractes.

The road gets tougher for the Maineiacs now. Shawinigan had been on a slide and it doesn’t compare to Halifax or Rimouski, possible opponents in the next round.

With the NHL on a ridiculous hiatus, the Maineiacs have given die-hard hockey fans plenty to cheer about. The season goes on; that’s enough for now.