This isn’t much of a surprise. With a solid core of young skill in Jonathan Huberdeau, Zach Phillips, Tomas Jurco, and Stanislav Galiev and veterans Michael Kirkpatrick and Steven Anthony, point production hasn’t/shouldn’t been an issue.
The Sea Dogs lead the league in goals scored with 106 for an average of 4.6 goals per game. They led the QMJHL in goals scored last season with 309 in 68 games for an average of 4.5.
But pleasantly surprising has been Saint John’s defense core. Not only does the team lead the way in goals scored in the 'Q', but they are tied with the Quebec Remparts and Shawinigan Cataractes for the fewest amount of goals allowed this season with 59.
Saint John’s defense has quietly been very good this season. You’re always hearing about Huberdeau, Jurco, and Phillips, but, other than Despres and Nathan Beaulieu, how often does Kevin Gagne, Gabriel Bourret, Guillaume Cloutier, Tyrone Sock, and Pierre Durepos come up in conversation?
The defense has a nice mix of experienced players and fresh faces. It was obvious at the start of the year that a calm and cool veteran like Despres was needed, but since his return, the ‘D’ has really stepped it up.
Just check out this fascinating statistical analysis:
Pierre Durepos: +15We can only imagine what the addition of Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Steven Delisle would do to this team.
Guillaume Cloutier: +14
Nathan Beaulieu: +13
Simon Despres: +11
Gabriel Bourret: +10
Kevin Gagne: +6
Tyrone Sock: +5
But, of course, it hasn’t just been the defense core that has helped Saint John win games. The third line featuring forwards Mike Thomas, Danick Gauthier, and Stephen MacAulay has been nothing short of shutdown city this season.
So even with an unreal amount of talented offensive weapons, Saint John’s defensive game shouldn’t be overlooked.
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