The Laval Rocket’s season isn’t going very well, if you look at the team’s results so far this season.
The team is losing a lot of games, and generally giving up a lot of goals to the opposition.
At present, the Rocket is in last place in the North Division, a situation we didn’t really expect considering the fine team Jean-François Houle has on paper.
We thought Laval would easily be a playoff team, which is not at all the case at present.
However, the Rocket’s 5-9-1 record doesn’t tell the whole story.
Indeed, despite the team’s setbacks, there have been some positives to take away from the start of the season.
Obviously, there’s the performance of Joshua Roy, as well as that of Sean Farrell, both of whom are playing excellent hockey and seem to have developed great chemistry.
It’s great to see two of the team’s top attacking prospects performing together like this in their first professional season.
And if we look at the defense, well, Logan Mailloux’s performance is another positive point for the Rocket.
After a quiet start to the season, the CH prospect has seven points in his last seven games.
In fact, he scored his 4ᵉ goal of the season last night in the Rocket’s 6-3 loss to the Utica Comets.
Right way to start the second
Right way to start the second#GoRocket https://t.co/bs5egLRf24 pic.twitter.com/jbLI6GWXar– Rocket de Laval (@RocketLaval) November 19, 2023
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Mailloux used his excellent slap shot to hit the target.
The Rocket’s number 24 is currently enjoying a fine run of form, despite the team’s general difficulties.
Seven points in seven games is quite an accomplishment for a rookie AHL defenseman who had just two points in his first eight games.
In short, the 20-year-old defenseman is progressing very well in the AHL right now, playing an important role on the team.
If he keeps this up, he could very well earn a call-up to the Habs by the end of the season, especially if injuries continue to pile up.
In my opinion, Mailloux is the next defenseman in the Tricolore hierarchy who could be recalled.
Actually, no, he’s probably second only to another young defenseman who’s making a name for himself with the Rocket.
I’m talking about Jayden Struble.
Struble, who is also in his first real pro season (he played 11 games last season), is playing some excellent hockey.
He doesn’t stand out offensively like Mailloux, but he does everything he can to help the team win.
He plays a crucial role defensively, and is really establishing himself as a solid defender.
Yesterday’s game was a perfect example of this, as Struble not only picked up two assists, but also threw down the gloves to re-energize his team.
Jayden Struble is doing everything in his power to give more to his teammates, who are going through a grueling sequence. He has two assists tonight and just threw down the gloves in a tough battle with Joe Gambardella. I’m liking his game more and more.
– Anthony Marcotte (@anthonymarcotte) November 19, 2023
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Jayden Struble just dropped the mitts near the end of the 2nd and he’s chuckin’ bombs out there!
He’s also got a pair of assists so far tonight, the Struble hatty..#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/hdx1g8TOfJ– Hockey Junkie (@HockeyJunkieYT) November 19, 2023
In short, Struble is really solid with the Rocket, and his +4 differential shows it all the more considering that the Rocket loses more often than not.
The 22-year-old defenseman has six points, including a goal, in 12 games, and could very well earn himself a call-up with the CH if he keeps this up and a spot opens up at the top.
In my opinion, he should be the next defenseman recalled, given his age and style of play.
Let’s let Mailloux develop in the AHL, and give Struble a chance he richly deserves.
In a gust
– Today’s the day.
D-Day, champions rise.
Grey Cup match – MTL vs. WPG
📺 @RDSca | @TSN_Sports – 6pm
🎙️ @985Sports | @TSN690 – 18h#Alouettes | #GreyCup pic.twitter.com/yTTi4Cktv1– Montreal Alouettes (@MTLAlouettes) November 19, 2023
– We’ll see with time.
Got a text yesterday from an NHL scout yesterday asking me: “Why are MTL fans shi**ing on Reinbacher?”
That is a great question. FWIW, he thinks the club made the right choice. Time will tell.
– Grant McCagg (@grantmccagg) November 19, 2023
– Quite a feat for Mitch Marner.
Mitch Marner became the third-fastest active NHL player to reach 400 career assists, behind only Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby.
Catch the @MapleLeafs in the #NHLGlobalSeries finale now on @NHLNetwork and get more #NHLStats here: https://t.co/DcVkNhs2wZ pic.twitter.com/sP7k2mxd8s
– NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) November 19, 2023
– The latest NHL rumors.
In the Sunday #NHL Rumor Roundup: the latest on the #LeafsForever and Patrick Kane, an update on the #Flames pending free agents and the #Oilers appear interested in the #Canadiens‘ goaltenders. https://t.co/oCc7CoJrsD
– Spector’s Hockey (@SpectorsHockey) November 19, 2023