The QMJHL playoffs are heating up as the Drummondville Voltigeurs pulled off a critical victory against the Halifax Mooseheads in Game 3 of their playoff series on April 1, 2025. The Voltigeurs defeated the Mooseheads 4-1, breathing new life into the series and narrowing the Mooseheads' lead to 2-1 in this best-of-seven matchup.
Drummondville came out strong, with Bridgewater native Luke Woodworth scoring the only goal of the first period, giving the Voltigeurs an early advantage. Woodworth, who has been a standout player throughout the playoffs, followed up with his second goal in the third period, further extending Drummondville's lead.
The Mooseheads, however, were not going to go down without a fight. Quinn Kennedy managed to put Halifax on the scoreboard with a well-placed shot from the left wing faceoff circle, capitalizing on a pass from Brady Schultz. Kennedy's goal, which came during a crucial moment in the game, sparked hope for the Mooseheads and their fans.
Yet, just as the Mooseheads seemed to gain momentum, Sam Oliver silenced the crowd at the Scotiabank Centre by scoring for the Voltigeurs with just 1:34 left in the game. Oliver's goal came during an odd-man rush, showcasing the Voltigeurs' ability to capitalize on opportunities. Jesse Allecia then sealed the deal for Drummondville with an empty-net goal, ensuring the Voltigeurs walked away with their first win of the series.
Luke Woodworth was named the first star of the game for Drummondville, thanks to his two goals, while goaltender Louis-Félix Charrois earned the second star for his solid performance, which included an assist. Quinn Kennedy, with his lone goal for Halifax, was awarded the third star of the night.
Despite the loss, the Mooseheads still hold a 2-1 series lead over the Voltigeurs. The two teams are set to clash again in Game 4, which will take place on April 2, 2025, at 7 p.m. at the Scotiabank Centre. Fans are eagerly anticipating this matchup, hoping for a strong response from the Mooseheads to maintain their series advantage.
In a different matchup, the Cape Breton Eagles faced travel issues that delayed their Game 3 against the Baie-Comeau Drakkar. Originally scheduled for a 7 p.m. start, the game has been pushed to 8 p.m. Atlantic time due to weather-related travel complications for the Drakkar. Heavy rain and high winds on the island led to the delay, but the Drakkar currently lead the series 2-0 and will look to extend their advantage in the rescheduled game.
The QMJHL playoffs have been full of surprises and intense competition, with teams battling not only for victory but also for pride and a chance to advance to the next round. The Halifax Mooseheads, the youngest team in the league, are determined to capitalize on their playoff experience this year after being swept in the first round last season.
Halifax's roster is notably youthful, with no 19-year-olds and 11 rookies dressed for each game. This inexperience has not hindered their performance thus far, as they have shown resilience and skill in their previous matches against the Voltigeurs. In their last two games, they managed to secure victories with close scores, including a thrilling overtime win where Liam Kilfoil scored the decisive goal.
Fans are excited to see how the Mooseheads will respond in Game 4 after their recent setback. The atmosphere in the Scotiabank Centre is expected to be electric, with a strong turnout of supporters rallying behind the home team. The Mooseheads will need to harness this energy and convert it into a performance that can push the Voltigeurs back and regain control of the series.
As the playoffs progress, every game becomes increasingly crucial, and the stakes are high for all teams involved. The Mooseheads, who were once considered favorites, now face a challenge as they aim to fend off the defending champions, the Voltigeurs. With the series still tightly contested, fans can expect thrilling hockey action as both teams strive for victory.
Looking ahead, the next few games will be pivotal in determining which team will advance further in the playoffs. The Mooseheads will need to regroup quickly and come out strong in Game 4 to maintain their lead in the series. Meanwhile, the Voltigeurs will aim to capitalize on their recent momentum and level the series.
The QMJHL playoffs continue to deliver excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments, and fans are eager to see how the story unfolds in the coming days. As the competition heats up, one thing is clear: anything can happen in the world of junior hockey.
