The number 13 is unlucky for the L/A Nordiques as they dropped to 12-1-0 on the season after the Northeast Generals skated away to a 7-2 victory at the New England Sports Village in Attleboro, Massachusetts.

The Nordiques were without some key pieces in defenseman JP Chauvin (suspension) who has seven goals and 17 assists in 12 games. Forward Josh Sanchez (wrist) also missed the game, along with forward Connor Kennedy (concussion) and defenseman Nick Bisson (school).

“I knew it would be a challenging game, they are a very good team,” L/A Nordiques coach Cam Robichaud said. “We kind of stole a late one the last time we were here in their building. We were short today, we didn’t have (JP) Chauvin), we didn’t have Conor Kennedy, we didn’t have Joshua Sanchez and Nick Bisson was obviously at school and couldn’t play. We didn’t have our prime roster.”

Robichaud said Sanchez is out until November.

Thaddeus Marcola had four goals and an assist to pace the Generals offense while Tyler Rudek had a goal and four assists.

“I think the Generals wanted to be the first team to beat us and show they can do so,” Robichaud said, “They did, skated hard, they blocked a million shots, they outworked us and won all the 50-50 pucks.”

After a scoreless first half of the first period, Marcola potted his first two goals of the game as Northeast opened up a 2-0 lead. His first goal came at the 10:28 mark while his second goal came at the 14:51 mark.

Both goals were assisted by Reduk and Alex LePage.

With 1:39 remaining in the opening period, Joe Bisson cut the deficit half with a power play marker for his 13th goal of the season. Colby Audette picked up an assist on the goal.

Both teams were 1-for-2 on the man advantage.

Reduk gave the Generals a 3-1 lead heading into the first intermission as he scored with 42 seconds remaining. Marcola and Marc Faia had the assists.

It was nearly a scoreless second period before Tami Meriläinen found the Nordiques’ net with 18 seconds left in the middle frame. Reduk and Faia set him up.

“The third goal was in the last minute (of the first period) and they had a goal in the last minute of the second,” Robichaud said. “You minus all that it’s (a closer) hockey game. Then momentum, they just rode with it and it was over.”

The game broke open in the final period as Marcola scored 20 seconds in and again at the 9:49 mark. Sandwiched in between his goals was Preston Phelps’ goal at the 2:34 mark of the third period.

Hans Watson scored for the Nordiques with 8:19 remaining in the game. Zach Mullen and Josh Malone had the assists.

Joe Barrett made 32 saves in the win while Jason St. Pierre also made 32 saves in the loss.

nfournier@sunjournal.com

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