Goaltenders Rudy Guimond (DET) of Moncton & Lucas Beckman (OTT) of Chicoutimi have led their respective teams to the semi-finals of the QMJHL playoffs, sporting identical 8-0 records. Beckman is the league-leader in goals against average (0.75) & save percentage (.962), immediately followed in both categories by Guimond (1.62 GAA & .934 SP). Chicoutimi’s semi-final matchup is set, as it takes on Rouyn-Noranda starting Friday. The Wildcats await the winner of Newfoundland and Blainville-Boisbriand for their third-round matchup.
Provided both prevail in the semis, the finals will feature a goaltending matchup where Beckman and Guimond have a combined eight losses for their teams in the regular season and playoffs combined. For Guimond, this follows up a season in which he was a combined 24-1-0 in his rookie season in major junior hockey. (Beckman’s prior won-loss record is not as impressive, as he was playing for a struggling Baie-Comeau team from last season and until halfway through this year).
Needless to say, something’s gotta give, but the Red Wings and Senators have got to be thrilled with the quality these prospects add to their respective systems.