The trick up the Lewiston Maineiacs’ sleeve this weekend, to which coach Clem Jodoin alluded prior to the team’s trip to Moncton, seems simple on the surface.
Instead of running a 1-2-2 forecheck like the team had done in its first 20 games, Lewiston ran a more cautious 1-1-3. The less aggressive forecheck led to a higher shot total against netminder Jonathan Bernier, but Jodoin was adamant that the scheme had nothing to do with the five quick goals Lewiston allowed Friday night.
“That was just missing our one-on-ones,” said Jodoin.
And as for a repeat of the passive forecheck in Sunday’s game, Jodoin was understandably mum.
“I don’t know yet what we are going to do really,” said Jodoin. “We are going to come back aggressive like we played the third period Friday.”
Shorthanded
Lewiston played without forward Derek Bailey and defenseman Sebastien Piche Friday night, and for most of the game were short Marc-Andre Cliche as well after he was hit by a Chad Denny slapshot.
Bailey might return this afternoon, and Cliche will skate in the warmups after tests revealed nothing was broken in his wrist. Whether he skates or not will be a game-time decision.
Piche will still be out, having suffered a concussion in last Tuesday’s game against Rimouski, and Alex Sousa remains sidelined with a broken arm.
Shorthanded, part 2
Moncton was openly questioned following Friday’s game about replacing No. 1 netminder Jean-Christophe Blanchard with backup Guillaume Blouin to start the third period.
According to a report published on the team Web site, Blanchard felt dizzy after a collision in his crease in the second period, and the coaching staff elected not to take chances and sat him down.
It is still unclear whether Moncton will bring both netminders today, or if the Wildcats will call up another keeper from the AAA ranks to back up Blouin.
Old friends
No, the Moncton Wildcats will not welcome Nathan Saunders back to their lineup today, but they may well welcome him into their locker room.
Saunders, 20, is eligible to play for the Wildcats this season, but has played, and played well, for the Portland Pirates of the American Hockey League.
After the Pirates’ morning skate Saturday, Saunders paused on his way by head coach Kevin Dineen and asked if they would be going to the game today at the Colisee.
Dineen sounded optimistic, which made Saunders happy as he left for the afternoon.
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