News889

SAINT JOHN – Jonathan Huberdeau scored twice on the power play in the first period, leading the Saint John Sea Dogs to a 4-2 victory over their arch-rivals from Moncton.

But the talented, fourth-year forward wasn’t around for the celebration.

The native of St-Jerome, Quebec, was decked with a high hit from Wildcats defenceman Patrick Downe six minutes into the third period – a hit that led to the winning goal on the power play.

Huberdeau pulled himself out of the game with around eight minutes left, moments after finishing a penalty killing shift, and was joined in the Sea Dog dressing room by a team doctor.

There was no word on his condition following the game.

The move put a cloud over another impressive performance by Saint John (2-1).

Huberdeau scored a power play goal just before the halfway mark of the first, using a toe-drag to get around Downe, and then firing a snapshot high glove-side on goalie Alex Dubeau.

He scored again less than six minutes later on another power play when his pass from the slot deflected off Downe and into the Moncton (1-2) net.

The Cats tied it in the second period despite being outplayed.

Alex Saulnier struck at even strength followed three minutes later by Downe on a power play.

It stayed 2-2 into the third period, but with Downe serving a penalty for the hit on Huberdeau, overager Stephen MacAulay chipped in the go-ahead goal for Saint John.

Ryan Tesink capped the win with an empty net goal, giving Saint John an early lead in the Rivalry Cup.

Sebastien Auger picked up his second straight win with 21 saves.

Saint John is back on home ice Saturday night against Gatineau, where the team will debut its new, black third jerseys.

Catch all the action LIVE on News 88.9 beginning at 6:45 p.m.

NOTES: Sea Dog scratches were Pierre Durepos (hip), David Weckworth (knees), Mackenzie Brown (knee), Matthew Highmore (shoulder), Spencer Smallman (shoulder) and Noah Zilbert (healthy)….The Sea Dogs outshot Moncton in each period, and 35-23 overall….Saint John finished 3-for-6 on the power play….Jakub Izacky’s assist on MacAulay’s goal is the first point of his QMJHL career….MacAulay and Kevin Gagne are due to leave Thursday morning to attend training camp with the AHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs. Neither are expected to be in the lineup this weekend….Attendance was 3,094.

Three Stars: 1. Gagne (SJ) 2. Huberdeau (SJ) 3. Dubeau (MON)    Top Dog: Seed

Game Highlights:

Jonathan Huberdeau Goal 1, 9:29 1st:

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Jonathan Huberdeau Goal 2, 15:08 1st:

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Stephen MacAulay Goal, 7:19 3rd:

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Ryan Tesink Goal, 19:37 3rd:

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