Allard returns, dominates

Showing loads of character, Quebec Remparts forward Jean-Simon Allard returned to action on Friday just three short weeks after suffering a serious jaw injury. His unexpected return had an immediate impact on the weekend set of games, so it seems that his strength and conditioning are in-check after a suspected two-week diet of liquids. On Friday, Allard (-1, 2 PIM) picked up a pair of power play assists as the Rems defeated Rimouski, 4-3. Combining with ex-Sabre prospect Benjamin Breault, the 6'2 center led the comeback charge to gain the win and the game's #2 star (Breault was the #1). Allard returned on Saturday, scoring a goal and an assist in a 3-2 road win against his former club, Montreal. Traded from the Juniors on draft day, his goal was the first in the home opener for the relocated franchise. Allard was injured in his team's first practice of the season, taking a hit from teammate Yannick Reiber that required surgery to repair fractures and separations to his chin/jaw area. Originally slated to be out until October, the 2007 fifth-rounder instead returned a week early, missing just two regular season games. He likely would have missed more if he had traveled to Buffalo for their rookie camp.