Rocket victory: first LAH fight for Arber Xhekaj

The Laval Rocket is off to a poor start to the season, with a record of 9-14-5.

The team is in last place in the American Hockey League, and we’re trying to find the positive in all that.

On Friday evening, the Rocket took on the Syracuse Crunch.

For a few weeks now, tough guy Arber Xhekaj has been sent to the AHL to fine-tune his defensive game and his decisions with the puck.

With a little adjustment in his first few games, Xhekaj seems to be quietly regaining the wings he had last season.

However, the #72 still hadn’t thrown down the gloves and some fans were worried, because that’s what makes Xhekaj the player he is.

The time had come and Xhekaj threw down the gloves in the third period.

Eventful night for Arber Xhekaj… So far he’s picked up a couple of assists(7 points in 9 games) and a decent scrap against Element. #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/U1TvL0m2Zm

– Hockey Junkie (@HockeyJunkieYT) December 30, 2023

In addition to this beautiful dance with Shawn Element, the colossus spoiled himself with two points in the game, which helped the Rocket defeat the Crunch 3-2.

He now brings his point total to 7 in 9 games. The Habs could very well call him back, as he plays some excellent hockey down there.

And that’s just as well, because Justin Barron is getting a lot out of them this season.

Let’s just say that with performances like these, #72 gives himself the best chance of regaining his place in the Habs line-up.

In addition to Xhekaj’s two assists, Nolan Yaremko also picked up two assists.

Interestingly, all three Rocket goals were scored by Quebecers.

The first goal belonged to Philippe Maillet, who leveled the score at 1-1 in the first period. Joshua Roy gave his team the lead before Nathan Légaré scored a superb goal to double the lead.

WHAT A GOAL
WHAT A GOAL! #GoRocket https://t.co/tt6dbj1sN6 pic.twitter.com/nEDk8khU4k

– Rocket de Laval (@RocketLaval) December 30, 2023

Late in the game, the Crunch closed the gap to a goal, but it was too little too late for the Crunch.

New goaltender Kasimir Kaskisuo was making his Rocket debut, and he looked good.

He made 36 saves on 38 shots in the Rocket victory.

Kaskisuo seems to be a great addition in front of the net. He brings experience, which was lacking among goalkeepers.

It’s a step in the right direction for the Rocket, but there are still plenty of crusts to eat if the team is to have any hope of making the playoffs.

In a row

– Three players combined for 10 points in the Devils’ 6-2 win

– Read more.

– Bedard is in good company on this list.

– Stéphane Leroux gives his opinion on the small goalie debate.