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Rocket’s win: Laval is back in first place in its division and the league
Mathis Therrien
Rocket’s win: Laval is back in first place in its division and the league
Credit: Last night, all the attention of the Montreal Canadiens’ fans was still on the trade deadline. Some fans said they were happy that Kent Hughes didn’t make any moves, while others were disappointed that Hughes didn’t sell his assets (Armia, Savard, and Dvorak), or that Hughes didn’t go get reinforcements for the playoff run. Personally, […]

Last night, all the attention of the Montreal Canadiens’ fans was still on the trade deadline.

Some fans said they were happy that Kent Hughes didn’t make any moves, while others were disappointed that Hughes didn’t sell his assets (Armia, Savard, and Dvorak), or that Hughes didn’t go get reinforcements for the playoff run.

Personally, I think Hughes tried to improve the team, but he didn’t find the perfect trade for his team and didn’t want to rush into a deal, and so, in the end, the Canadiens’ GM did the right thing.

And while all the fans were stubborn and making their own assessments of the trade deadline, the Canadiens’ affiliate team, the Laval Rocket, was playing a VERY important game against the Rochester Americans at the Place Bell.

Why was it such an important game?

Well, because the Rocket had the chance to take back first place in their division and in the league by beating Rochester with a win.

And that’s exactly what Laval did, as the Rocket won 4-3.

This is a huge win for the Rocket, as they overcame a 2-0 deficit to win in regulation, which allows Laval to take back first place in their division AND in the American League overall.

(Credit: TheAHL.com)

It’s a very important position to finish first in your division, as it would allow the Rocket to face the winner of a qualifying series between the 4th and 5th place teams in the first round.

In short, it’s a great win for the Rocket, as everyone gave their all, even those who didn’t get any points.

Indeed, David Reinbacher had another very good game, even if he didn’t get any points. He was very solid and fluid, as he has been since he came back to play with the Rocket.

He’s very confident, and that makes him very enjoyable to watch.

As for the players who did get points, well, Alex Barré-Boulet was once again the sparkplug for the Rocket with two goals, which bring him back to a point per game with 47 points in 47 games.

Seriously, I think that if the Canadiens can’t trust Owen Beck at center on the second line, Barré-Boulet should be called up and given a chance.

He could really be useful on the second line with Patrik Laine and Alex Newhook, either at center or on the wing with Newhook.

Laurent Dauphin and his 40 points in 46 games could also be a great option, as he had 12 points in 38 games with the Canadiens during the 2021-2022 season.

As for the young prospects now, well, several of them are having a great streak.

With an assist last night, Florian Xhekaj now has 13 points in his last 14 games.

He’s really reached another level in his development, which is very beneficial for the future.

Xhekaj has 25 points, including 15 goals, in 51 games this season as a rookie with the Rocket.

And in the case of Sean Farrell, he got an assist last night, which extends his streak of consecutive games with at least one point to seven games.

In short, Pascal Vincent’s team is on fire, and they’ll have the chance to defend their first place tonight with a second game in as many days against the Rochester Americans.

The game will be played at 1 pm today at the Place Bell.


In a Nutshell

– The arrival of Dylan Cozens in Ottawa.

– Here are Kevyn Adams’ comments on the acquisition of Josh Norris.

– Ah, really?

– Note that.

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