QMJHL Finals: Moncton on the Brink & the Impact on the Memorial Cup

When Rimouski edged Shawinigan in double overtime of game 7, it set up the finals that was most likely to happen when the QMJHL Playoffs started eight weeks ago. Moncton vs Rimouski was the logical matchup from the start and is now serving as a partial preview of the 105th Memorial Cup Tournament. Moncton, with its 3-0 lead, is on the brink of taking home the Gilles-Corteau Trophy. With them having an easier time than initially expected, it may set up some interesting scenarios going into the Memorial Cup opener in just 8 days.

While both teams were heavily favored to be here, Moncton and Rimouski took different routes to do it. While Moncton cruised, Rimouski almost missed the boat. Both teams started the post-season with opening round sweeps. In round two, Moncton continued to cruise, while Rimouski got a scare from a scrappy Chicoutimi team that won back-to-back games on home ice. The biggest difference occurred in round three: Moncton was getting warmed up in Rouyn-Noranda while Rimouski was getting beat up in Shawinigan.

With the longer road, the injury bug is in full swing for Rimouski. By the middle of round three, the injuries were playing a major role. Six key players were out, or on a day by day basis. The scenario was enough of a factor that veteran columnist Mikael Lalancette stated the obvious: that Rimouski might be better off NOT winning the series against Shawinigan so it could heal up for the Memorial Cup tournament that they had a guaranteed spot in. In the end- both over times of it- the Oceanic would edge Shawinigan and move on.

While Rimouski was battling it out through seven games with the Cataractes (3 of which needed overtime to be decided) the Wildcats were home resting and recuperating after a 4 game sweep of Rouyn-Noranda.

So here we are. A rested Moncton team, the clear number 1 from the outset, is once again cruising. Rimouski however, isn’t giving up without a fight. Game 2, which ended in double OT, served as a wake up call that Rimouski is still gunning for the league title that they were assembled for over the past year. 

Should Moncton complete the sweep, both teams will be afforded a little rest and recuperation. As tough of a pill as that would be for the Oceanic to swallow, it may be their best bet in the long run. For Moncton, it might be more of a curse. There’s something to be said for trying to stay in game mode when faced with repeated multi-day pauses. Additionally, not going through a little adversity before taking on the champions of the other two leagues could be a second mental issue. The Finals would certainly not be the place to be testing their mettle the first time they find themselves in a scenario where the chips are down.  

All of that is still to be seen as this series isn’t over, and it’s always a guessing game when league champions meet. For now, we have at least one more game with the top two teams in the league…who will both be moving on to the next round.