A step back

Islanders handed 5-1 loss in Saint John

The Saint John Sea Dogs led 2-0 eight minutes into Friday’s game en route to a 5-1 victory over the Charlottetown Islanders in a marquee matchup of Quebec Major Junior Hockey League clubs.

“I didn’t think we showed up ready to play and didn’t compete hard in the first period and were chasing the game from about the five-minute mark on,” Islanders head coach Jim Hulton said.

“I think the build up was part of the problem. Instead of just focusing on (what the players could control), they got too wrapped up in what the game ‘meant.’ The game doesn’t mean a God damn thing if you don’t compete.”

The host Sea Dogs scored three power-play goals in the third period to go with a first period shorthanded goal by Samuel Dove-McFalls that proved to be the winner. “Our power play was absolutely awful once again against this team,” Hulton said. “We could never get momentum.”

Spencer Smallman scored two power-play goals while Julien Gauthier had the other. Mathieu Joseph opened the scoring at even strength off a rebound 3:24 into the game and added three assists. Simon Bourque had two helpers while singles went to Matthew Highmore, Gauthier and Thomas Chabot each before a sellout crowd of 6,187.

“It means a lot,” Smallman said about the win. “They’ve been hot and they’ve been chasing us in the standings. It’s good to stay up on them.

“That was the biggest game of the year. It’s a team we might see later in the playoffs. We showed them our Sea Dogs style of play, and if we play that style, we’re going to be a tough team to beat.”

Alex Dostie from Will Bower accounted for the Islanders goal in the third period with Saint John holding a 3-0 lead. The loss ended the Islanders nine-game winning streak.

Callum Booth made 27 saves for the victory while Matthew Welsh allowed five goals on 33 shots in the loss.

“They’re a hell of a team,” Hulton said.

“I’m just disappointed because I didn’t think we didn’t put our best foot forward tonight.

“I’m excited because we can play one hell of a lot better and we will the next time we play them.”