Strengths:
Moncton's success starts with the man in goal, Riopel. The league's most valuable player a year ago, Riopel is widely considered the best goaltender and posted a league record 2.01 goals against average last season. Riopel gives the Wildcats a dependable starter whose confidence exudes throughout the lineup. Although small at six feet and 167 pounds, Riopel is a fierce competitor and gives his team a chance to win.
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The Wildcats don't possess a scoring star, but boast plenty of talent sprinkled throughout the lineup. The team's most dangerous offensive weapon is Deschamps, although it's unclear when he'll be ready to return to action. He suffered a high ankle sprain in the Drummondville series and did not play in the finals.
Bourque's offensive game has taken off since his acquisition and he's one of the team's most dependable forwards in every situation. He scored eight of his 19 playoff goals in the six-game final over Saint John. Tessier, meanwhile, is a scorer and led the Wildcats in playoff points.
Moncton's defence is strong in transition and capable of leading rushes. While this team doesn't have the offensive flair of stereotypical teams emerging from the QMJHL, they more than make up for it with a balanced lineup.
Weaknesses:
This team does have a balanced offence and is capable of scoring opportunistic goals, but it might become an issue against the best of the best. Moncton's core forward group is very good and brings a lot of different elements, but they lack a true game-breaker such as Windsor's Taylor Hall or Calgary's Brandon Kozun. This problem could become costly particularly if Deschamps, their most natural playmaker, is unable to go in the Memorial Cup.
Keys to victory:
The Wildcats are a very strong systematic team. The reason they were able to eliminate such top teams is that each player knows his role and doesn't take chances that will hurt the team. Riopel has the ability to win games on his own while the team's balanced offensive attack is very opportunistic. Moncton isn't the most entertaining team in the tournament, but their dedication and discipline made them world beaters in their league.