The save that wasn’t

Andrey Makarov enjoyed a ceremonious return to the lineup Thursday, turning aside 30 of 33 shots in the Maineiacs’ 9-3 blowout win over Halifax. He stopped at least a dozen quality scoring chances, particularly early in the game as Lewiston tried to find its legs.

Perhaps his best save of the night, though, didn’t even count. The Maineiacs went in to the Halifax zone, and Kirill Kabanov buried what he thought was a goal just 18 seconds into the third period. The red light came on, and the team began to celebrate.

But the puck ricocheted back into the field of play, and the Mooseheads jumped on it, taking off on a 3-on-1 the other way. With a big push from left to right, Makarov made a diving save.

Officials then went to review the previous play at the other end, determined Kabanov’s shot was indeed a goal, and put the time back on the clock.

After the game, Kabanov, acting as Makarov’s translator, explained Makarov’s efforts.

“He just wanted to finish the moments, because nobody was sure what had happened, if the puck was in,” Kabanov said after hearing Makarov speak in Russian. “I was for sure, of course, the puck went in. But he needed to stay in the moment. If it hadn’t been a goal, he knew he needed to make the save.”

Flying high

Michael Chaput is on fire.

One of the players the Maineiacs were counting on from the beginning of the season to be a leader on offense is embracing that role , finally.

In his past three games, Chaput has scored six goals and added four assists. He’s a plus-7 in those three games, and has won 39 of 60 faceoffs (65 percent).

“The one thing I notice, he’s moving his feet more,” coach J.F. Houle said. “He’s stronger on the puck, and he likes playing with (linemate Matthew Bissonnette). He seems to have more energy.”

“I guess the second half of the season, you start off fresh and don’t think about the first half,” Chaput added. “I’m just going out there and doing what i know I can do.”

Tremendous depth

Bryce Milson enjoyed a breakout game for the Maineiacs last weekend, netting a pair of goals Friday night against Rouyn-Noranda.

In two games on the same weekend, Jess Tanguy had a goal, was a plus-2 and won 43 percent of his faceoffs.

Their reward? Watching Thursday’s contest against Halifax from the seats. With the Maineiacs’ roster at full strength with limited bumps and bruises, and with only Cole Hawes still out due to an injury, the team’s bench is getting a bit crowded.

“We have a lot of good players, and it’s tough to figure out who goes in and out of the lineup,” Houle said. “We have depth, so everybody’s going to have to take turns sitting out.

“But the players I think understand what we’re trying to do. We’re trying to develop every player. I like how this team is shaping up. I think every player is starting to understand what their role is, and that’s very important to go on a run here.”