ISLANDERS’

said Hulton. “That’s the beauty of the playoffs.”

SERIES-CLINCHING GAME

Before 1,496 fans at Eastlink Centre, the Drakkar outshot the Islanders 55-21, including period advantages of 20-11, 22-5 and 13-5.

Former Islander Justin Gill (2-1), Isaac Dufort (2), Justin Poirier (2) and Matyas Melovsky (1-2) scored for the Drakkar. Baie-comeau forward Donovan Arsenault of Richmond, P.E.I., contributed two assists.

“It went well for us,” said Arsenault after the seriesclinching win. “We played to our strengths and tried to take advantage of some different things.

“They are a heck of a team, and we just stuck to the game plan, and it ended up coming out positive for us.”

Arsenault said the Islanders worked hard all series and are a tough team to play against.

“They have some guys who are constantly trying to hit you and trying to play physical,” said Arsenault. “Jim does a great job coaching them that way.”

It looked like Arsenault scored a second-period goal, but his shot was deflected in front of Bickle. Regardless, Arsenault was happy to help contribute offensively.

“I’ve been in an awful slump but whatever it takes to help the team,” said Arsenault. “I don’t care if it’s a goal, assist, blocked shot, we are all one, and it doesn’t matter who is getting the goals or points.”

Cole Huckins, assisted by Marcus Kearsey and Alexis Michaud, netted the lone Charlottetown goal.

Charles-édward Gravel registered the goaltending win.

The game’s three stars were: 1. Justin Gill (Drakkar), 2. Carter Bickle (Islanders), 3. Matyas Melovsky (Drakkar).

TURN PAGE

The work on next season will begin immediately as Hulton and assistant general manager and associate coach Guy Girouard switch their focus to their managerial roles.

“Off-seasons are about roster decisions, and we have some difficult decisions to make, and we have to do a better job,” said Hulton. “Quite frankly, I didn’t think I did a very good job in either chair this year.

“Disappointed (something at) the trade deadline didn’t materialize; there were things last summer that fell through. It has to be a no-excuses offseason, and we have to do the job to surround the core pieces we think we have here. We have a lot of work to do to surround them with the right pieces.”