The win improved the Blue Eagles' record to 13-6-0 (won-lost-overtime losses), and improved their point total to 26. The two points moved Moncton into sole possession of third place, one point behind second-place Acadia (13-6-1), and one point ahead of fourth-place Saint Mary's (12-7-1).
The fifth-place Panthers fell to 11-8-0. To illustrate the significance of the game, a regulation-time win would have moved UPEI into a tie with Moncton for fourth position.
Before 927 fans at MacLauchlan Arena, Summerside native Devan Praught gave the Panthers a 1-0 lead at 5:25 of the first period. O'Leary native Mike MacIsaac and Travis McIsaac of Uigg set up the goal.
However, Francois Rochon (7:21) and Remi Blanchard (10:25) scored before the end of the period to send the Blue Eagles into the intermission ahead 2-1. Marc-Andre Cote (12:54) and Alex Quesnel (13:56) struck for two quick goals in the middle frame to increase Moncton's lead to 4-1 after 40 minutes.
Former Summerside Western Capital Chad Locke, assisted by Matthew Brenton and Jared Gomes, brought the Panthers to within two goals, 4-2, at 7:57 of the third period.
Special teams
Special teams played a big role in the game as the Panthers went 0-for-7 on the power play. Moncton scored once on five opportunities.
Overall, the Blue Eagles outshot the Panthers 34-30. Andre-Michel Guay earned the goaltending win over Mavric Parks.
The Panthers are on the road this weekend against St. Thomas and UNB.
