Lazarev nets winner as Screaming Eagles defeat Sea Dogs

SAINT JOHN, N. B. — Maxim Lazarev netted the shootout winner as the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles defeated the Saint John Sea Dogs 2-1 in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League action on Friday night.

The Eagles laced up against the Sea Dogs in front of 3,396 hockey fans at Harbour Station.

The home team took an early 1-0 lead on a goal by Nathan Noel in the first period.

However, Jason Bell delivered the equalizer for the Eagles on a power play with his third goal of the season five minutes into the second period.

Despite outshooting the Saint John team 38-23 in regulation play and 3-0 in overtime, the Eagles were unable increase their tally until Lazarev fired the game winner in the shootout.

Lazarev’s goal slipped by Sea Dogs goaltender Sébastien Auger, who made 40 saves in 65 minutes of play.

Auger blocked an earlier shootout attempt by Cameron Darcy.

For Cape Breton, Alex Bureau made three saves in the shootout on attempts by Noel, Stephen Anderson and Matthew Highmore.

Bureau also made 22 saves in 65 minutes of regulation and overtime play.

On the power play, Cape Breton went 1- for- 4, while Saint John was 0-for-4.

With the win, the Eagles improve their record to 13-10-03 for eighth place in the 18-team league.

Stars of the game: First star — Alex Bureau; second star — Sébastien Auger; third star Charles-Eric Légaré.