Halifax may sit in last place, but Saint John aware of trouble they can bring

Ryan Taplin/Metro File

With Peter Delmas injured, Mooseheads goalie Mathieu Corbeil will continue to get starts.

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Published: February 17, 2010 12:12 a.m.

Last modified: February 17, 2010 1:58 a.m.

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The Saint John Sea Dogs have had little trouble steamrolling just about every team in the QMJHL this season. But the last-place Halifax Mooseheads have proved to be a formidable foe for the Canadian Hockey League’s No. 1 squad.

The Sea Dogs, who have lost just five times during a sensational 43-game run that dates back to mid-October, lost once to the Herd in that stretch and barely squeaked past them in two other contests that came down to the last minute.

They’re back for more tonight at 7 p.m. at the Metro Centre.

“If our guys go in there thinking it’s an easy game, they have another thing coming,” said Sea Dogs head coach Gerard Gallant. “I think they know better than that. Halifax has given us a lot of trouble. You’ve got to be ready to play.”

The Mooseheads, 13-39-5 with 31 points, are 12 points out of a playoff spot with just 11 games to go.

They appear destined for the worst finish in franchise history as they approach all-time lows of 17 wins and 44 points set back in 2003-04.

But the Sea Dogs have been impressed, especially lately.

“They’re a team that puts pressure on you — they’re moving their feet, they’re skating,” Gallant said. “They have a lot of young kids who are working hard and having fun. Their goaltending is very good and they play a good, solid game.”

INJURY UPDATE
With Peter Delmas nursing a hip injury, Mathieu Corbeil is expected to continue to start in goal for the Mooseheads. Forwards Jessyko Bernard (abdominal strain) and Carl Gelinas (knee sprain) are expected to be out for the week.

Defenceman Pascal Amyot (shoulder/chest) is day-to-day and should play. No call-ups are expected.

AMYOT HONOURED
Amyot was named the Mooseheads’ nominee for the Marcel Robert trophy as the QMJHL’s scholastic player of the year. Five finalists will be announced by week’s end.

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