Hamilton Bulldogs and Shawinigan Cataractes to face off with berth in Memorial Cup final on the line – Hamilton

Special teams played a prominent role as the Hamilton Bulldogs and Shawinigan Cataractes faced off Monday night in the Memorial Cup semifinals.

The Cataractes scored three goals in a 3-2 win over the Bulldogs in the qualifying round last Thursday, including one that went to Olivier Nadeau with 12:54 remaining on regulation.

Shawinigan has seven chances with the senior advantage while Hamilton is 1 to 4.

Bulldogs coach Jay McKee said: “We have to be more disciplined. “They have a great power play and it has eaten away at us a bit. We have to make some adjustments there.

“Looking back at that game, it really could have gone both ways. Both teams played very well.”

Cataract captain Mavrik Bourque scored one goal and provided two assists in the win, but will focus on the task at hand in Monday’s rematch at TD Station.

“We’re going to be playing a semi-final in the biggest junior tournament, so I don’t think we could have asked for a better chance,” he said.

Host Saint John Sea Dogs awaits a winner on Wednesday night.

Saint John went straight to the final with the top of the 4 teams in the preliminary round. The Sea Dogs won against Hamilton and Shawinigan and lost to Edmonton in extra time.

Hamilton, meanwhile, opened the Ontario Hockey League knockout round with 12 straight wins and claimed the OHL title in a seven-game final against the Windsor Spitfires.

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However, they lost their opening consecutive Memorial Cup games before getting on track with a 4-2 win over the Oil Kings last Friday. The Bulldogs need to win in order to qualify for the semi-finals.

A brilliant save by goalkeeper Marco Costantini gave them the lead.

Shawinigan coach Daniel Nadeau said: “They attack a lot, play fast and like to blow up the area, so we will stay in the game and take advantage when we have some scoring opportunities. “They’re a great team and it’s going to be a great game.”

Logan Morrison leads the Bulldogs with six points – all assists – while Mason McTavish and Ryan Winterton have scored three goals each in the league.

Bourque and Xavier Bourgault matched Shawinigan’s attack with 6 points each.

Bulldogs guard Gavin White said: “We have to monitor their position at all times on the ice. “They seem to find each other pretty well despite the seams. As long as we keep an eye on them, I think we can shut them down.”

Nadeau has scored three goals for the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League champions, including two goals.