LEWISTON – This matchup of undefeated boys’ hockey teams was supposed to indicate who might have the edge heading into the postseason.

But after Biddeford beat a depleted Lewiston team 2-0 Wednesday night at the Colisee, the picture is no clearer.

The Blue Devils (14-1-2) played without their entire top line because of illness and injury. That line has accounted for 69 goals.

Biddeford (14-0-2) was not at full speed either with three players out, including second-leading scorer Bryan Dallaire with a bruised thigh.

But the Tigers did have leading scorer Brady Fleurent. He assisted on Tyler Audie’s power-play goal and then scored a fluke goal in the second period.

“Biddeford is dominant because they’re as good as any team you play in the state,” Lewiston Coach Jamie Belleau said. “We won’t make excuses. They got two goals. We got none.”

Now Biddeford is two games away from an unbeaten regular season. The Tigers’ two ties have come against Lewiston and Falmouth, both in December, and they’ve won 13 straight.

The Tigers again had to hold on to a lead in the third period, something they’ve struggled to do. The Blue Devils outshot Biddeford 13-1 in the period, but sophomore goalie Jon Fields came up big, making 28 saves in all.

“It was nice to finish a third period,” Tigers Coach Rich Reissfelder said. “Certainly with a lot of help from Fields.

“We had some added pressure because our other goalie quit 10 minutes before the game.”

So the Tigers will rely only on Fields.

“He makes plays when we need him to,” Reissfelder said.”

Lewiston, which also has a tie with Falmouth, came into the game with five straight shutouts, backed by All-State goalie Cam Poussard, who made 13 saves Wednesday.”

The Blue Devils did not have leading scorers Colt Steele and Sam Cloutier, who were both sick. And third-leading scorer Ben Wigant has missed six games with an injury.

Biddeford took a 1-0 lead in the first period on its only power play. Nick Gagne crossed to Fleurent, who sent in a shot that Audie deflected in at 8:14.

In the second period, Poussard lost his stick during a save. So when the puck was sent into the Biddeford zone, he skated out to retrieve his stick.

Tigers defenseman Eric Grover sizzled a pass out to Fleurent in the neutral zone, where he was tied up with a Lewiston defenseman. The puck flew high off Fleurent’s stick and Poussard, having skated back to the crease, never saw the puck until it landed behind him and into the net.

“I just tried to chip it in (the Lewiston zone) so I could get it deep and change,” Fleurent said. “I lost it up in the air and then saw everyone celebrating. I thought ‘Oh, wow, that went in.’“

Lewiston came on strong in the third but Fields withstood the pressure, especially when he made a glove save with a minute left and three Blue Devils outside the crease.

“That was big. I was lucky to get a glove on it,” said Fields. “As the season progresses, I get more confidence in myself and my teammates get more confidence in me.”

Biddeford has games remaining Saturday at home against St. Dominic and Monday at South Portland. Lewiston’s last game is Monday at Waterville.

Staff Writer Kevin Thomas can be reached at 791-6411 or at:

kthomas@pressherald.com