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ECHL: Trois-Rivières Lions Make Playoffs In Inaugural Year

By Patrick Lortie

ANTALYA, TURKEY - FEBRUARY 03 : A lion roars during feeding time at a zoo in Antalya, Turkey on February 03, 2020. The reactions of predators such as lions, puma, lynx, tigers, wolves and jackals in the zoo, established in Antalya on an area of 569 thousand square meters, attract attention. While the roaring sounds of the lions and howling of the wolves increase during the feeding hours, the cougar, lynx, tiger, wolf and weasel sticking their tongues before feeding. (Photo by Mustafa Ciftci/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
ANTALYA, TURKEY - FEBRUARY 03 : A lion roars during feeding time at a zoo in Antalya, Turkey on February 03, 2020. The reactions of predators such as lions, puma, lynx, tigers, wolves and jackals in the zoo, established in Antalya on an area of 569 thousand square meters, attract attention. While the roaring sounds of the lions and howling of the wolves increase during the feeding hours, the cougar, lynx, tiger, wolf and weasel sticking their tongues before feeding. (Photo by Mustafa Ciftci/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) /
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The Montreal Canadiens’ ECHL affiliate, the Trois-Rivières Lions have made history, clinching the playoffs in dramatic fashion in their inaugural year as a franchise.

The Lions were in a dog fight for a spot in the playoffs alongside the Maine Mariners and Worcester Railers. Five out of the six final games of the season were being played against the Railers, further igniting a rivalry for that coveted playoff spot.

Lions: une victoire de caractère assombrie par un geste disgracieux [VIDÉO] | Sport local | Sports | Le Nouvelliste - Trois-Rivières
Lions: une victoire de caractère assombrie par un geste disgracieux [VIDÉO] | Sport local | Sports | Le Nouvelliste - Trois-Rivières /

The Lions would obliterate the Railers 6-0 in the first game, only to then fall 3-2 in overtime in Game 2. The Lions would then play the Adirondack Thunder where they would prevail 3-2.

The Lions would then play the next three game in five days against the Railers, only needing one win in order to clinch a playoff spot. The Railers would have to win all three games in order to pass Trois-Rivières in the standings. All three games were to be played in Trois-Rivières.

Game 1 went the Railers’ way as they played an extremely tight game and overcoming the Lions 3-0. 48 hours later, the Lions would put the finishing touch on their push, crushing the Railers 5-0. They would then cap their season with a 3-2 overtime victory.

Lions clinch third-place in the North Division!
Lions clinch third-place in the North Division! /

The Lions finish their inaugural season with a 34-29-5-1 record, third in the North division with 74 points (tied with playoff clinching Maine Mariners) behind the Newfoundland Growlers (87 points) and the division winning Reading Royals who finished with 99 points.

Anthony Nellis would finish the year at the top of the Lions’ scoring list. He amassed 22 goals and 39 assists for 61 points in 67 games. Former Canadiens’ 4th round pick in 2011, Olivier Archambault, finished second with 19 goals, 35 assists for 54 points in 51 games.

The quest for the Kelly Cup begins on April 21st as the Lions take on the Newfoundland Growlers in St-John’s. The first round is a best of 5 series and will see the Lions host games 3, 4 and 5 if necessary.

A Winning Habit
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