Barbashev ends historic series with OT winner, Cats move on

A Max Barbashev breakaway backhander at 14:53 of the first overtime period finally ended one of the most dramatic QMJHL playoff series in recent memory as the Wildcats took game seven 5-4, and the series 4-3. A new QMJHL playoff record was also set with five games requiring overtime. Defenseman Anthony Hamel scored twice for Moncton, with other goals to Oscar Plandowski and Vincent Labelle. Étienne Morin was a huge contributor as well, setting up three goals and establishing a new Wildcats record for points by a defenseman in 1 series with 13 (2G, 11A). Both goaltenders were spectacular all through the series. In game 7, Wildcat Jacob Steinman made 32 saves, while Baie-Comeau's Olivier Ciarlo had 33 stops. Box score & highlights: https://theqmjhl.ca/gamecentre/30238/boxscore The Wildcats move onto Round #2 against the Halifax Mooseheads. Games #1 & #2  open at Scotiabank Centre Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. Watch road games 1 & 2 on CHL TV or listen to Wildcats Broadcaster Marty Kingston on the Harvesters FM Radio network -- 105,1 FM Moncton, 107.7 FM Bouctouche, Amherst 99.1 FM Amherst & 107.3 FM Sussex. The Avenir Centre will host games 3 & 4 Wednesday, April 19th at 7 pm and Thursday, April 20th at 7 pm. Buy Round 2 tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.ca/artist/891817?global=true&home_away=home