The Laval Rocket took on the Utica Comets on Sunday afternoon.
The Rocket’s record this season is below expectations, with 12 wins, 14 losses and five overtime defeats. Their opponents were four points behind them and occupy last place in the North Division standings. Laval is just ahead of them in the standings.
Despite being four points behind, the Comets still have three games in hand, which makes the match rather important, as last place is at stake as the mid-season approaches.
Here’s the line-up Jean-François Houle’s team fielded for this match.
Today’s lineup
Today’s lineup#GoRocket @PizzaPizzaLtd pic.twitter.com/LpotrKLKRy– Rocket de Laval (@RocketLaval) January 7, 2024
It didn’t take long for the Rocket to get on the scoreboard, thanks to Brandon Gignac, who literally put his hands up all Sunday.
He redirected a loose puck between his legs to set the tone for the game. Lias Andersson and Sean Farrell were credited with an assist each.
Between his legs 😳
Between his legs 🚀#GoRocket https://t.co/G3l2efRHnP pic.twitter.com/I3icQkZ7sz– Rocket de Laval (@RocketLaval) January 7, 2024
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Gignac still doesn’t have an NHL contract, which prevents him from being recalled by the Montreal Canadiens.
If it weren’t for this AHL contract, I’m convinced the Habs would have recalled him by now.
Unfortunately, just two minutes later, Joe Gambardella tied the game.
Following this goal, we learned that the Rocket will have to get by without two forwards who are injured and won’t be returning to action: Sean Farrell and Gabriel Bourque.
Gabriel Bourque and Sean Farrell (injuries) will not return to action this afternoon.
Gabriel Bourque and Sean Farrell (injuries) won’t return to the game.
– Rocket de Laval (@RocketLaval) January 7, 2024
With the score at 1-1, the two teams returned to the locker room after the first period.
The Rocket decided to start the period as they did at the beginning of the game. It only took 38 seconds to see Logan Mailloux score a beautiful goal from the point, thanks to a precise shot.
Precise 🎯#GoRocket https://t.co/LK54LqoW19 pic.twitter.com/PKV2rm17Gv
– Rocket de Laval (@RocketLaval) January 7, 2024
On the goal, Arber Xhekaj picked up an assist. This makes it six consecutive games with at least one point.
Things are definitely looking up for the Sheriff in Laval these days.
However, as fate would have it, Utica opened the scoring with two unanswered goals to take the lead for the first time in the game.
The score was now 3-2 at the end of the second period.
Halfway through the third period, the Rocket stood up.
Young Jared Davidson tied the game with a beautiful shot on goal. Gignac made a fine pass on this play, picking up an assist, as did Riley Kidney.
Brandon Gignac feeds Jared Davidson and it’s 3-3 in Utica! pic.twitter.com/QedrLW7T2n
– Scott Matla (@scottmatla) January 7, 2024
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As can be seen in the video above, Utica completely dominated the shootout column with a 33-21 lead following Davidson’s goal. Veteran goalkeeper Kasimir Kaskisuo was solid in this match.
Once again, feisty little forward Xavier Simoneau was on hand to give 100%.
The Rocket just came back to life in the third and got some good chances in Comets territory. The little poison Xavier Simoneau is at the heart of Laval’s efforts in the offensive zone. 3-3 at the very end of the game.
– Anthony Marcotte (@anthonymarcotte) January 7, 2024
3-3 after three periods: heading to overtime.
Despite good chances on both sides, we have to go to the shootout. Here are the results.
Arnaud Durandeau (UTI): X
Phillipe Maillet (LAV) : GOAL
Justin Dowling (UTI): X
Brandon Gignac (LAV): GOAL
A second straight shootout victory for the Rocket.
36 saves in the win for Kaskisuo.
The Rocket’s next game is again against the Comets, next Wednesday, January 10.
Extension
– Logan Mailloux and Arber Xhekaj play very well together. In the 12 games they’ve played on the same defensive pair, they’ve collected 10 points each.
In their 12 games together, Mailloux and Xhekaj each have ten points. Mailloux started the season with 10 points in his first 20 games so his pace has picked up teamed with the Sheriff. Laval trails 3-2 in the 3rd.
– Grant McCagg (@grantmccagg) January 7, 2024
– Goalie Kaskisuo was once again solid in front of the net with some key saves. His arrival with the team certainly brings experience in front of the net, as demonstrated by his 36 saves.