By Kevin Mills,Staff Writer

LEWISTON – It’s a conflict between style and substance.

For the Lewiston Maineiacs, it has been a losing equation in their second round playoff series against Rimouski.

Lewiston likes to play hard and aggressive, but its penchant for taking bad penalties is taking its toll as the Maineiacs moved another step closer to elimination Tuesday.

Lewiston gave up another four power play goals in a 6-5 loss to the Oceanic. The Maineiacs could be swept at home tonight with another Oceanic victory.

The most penalized team in the QMJHL has tried to curb its enthusiasm, but hasn’t managed to avoid the penalty box. They’ve played hard but not disciplined.

“I’ve been saying that since day one,” said Lewiston coach Clement Jodoin. “Sometimes it’s out of your control. It’s easy to judge. It’s easy to say as an outsider, but we say to the kids, Stay out of the box'”.

Rimouski had 10 power plays Tuesday night. The Oceanic scored on four, including a quick pair to start the game and the goal that broke a 3-3 tie in the second period.

“We played well, but we have to stay out of the penalty box a little bit more,” said Lewiston forward Alexandre Picard.

Rimouski has scored eight of its 14 goals in the series on the power play.

Lewiston has given the Oceanic 32 opportunities while totaling 126 minutes in penalties in three games.

Though the Maineiacs had some glimpses of discipline in the first-round sweep of Shawinigan, Lewiston has had to keep the penalty box door well-oiled in this series.

“We stayed out of the box in that first series and we saw the results,” said Picard. “Some of it’s frustration. Against those guys, they dive all the time, but it’s part of the game. We just need to stay out of the box.”

Jodoin says Rimouski’s experience plays a factor in staying disciplined under the playoff pressure.

The Oceanic have eight players already drafted by NHL teams while Sidney Crosby would be the likely top pick in this year’s draft.

“The only difference is this is an older team, and we are the youngest team in the league,” said Jodoin. “That’s a big advantage. How many guys do they have drafted in the National Hockey League? They have a lot. For us, as long as the kids are competing, we’ll never say anything.”

Rimouski coach Doris Labonte says both teams have a balancing act with their aggressive styles.

“Both teams have been the most penalized teams in the season,” said Labonte. “The team is playing their style. We have won that way and we’re going to play that way. It’s the same for the Maineiacs. Both teams don’t want to play with a hand behind their back. The big thing is the goals we got five-on-five. They got one, and we got two. That made the difference.”