The Laval Rocket reunited with former captain Xavier Ouellet, now a member of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, on Friday, but it didn’t go exactly as planned for Jean-François Houle’s men, who were defeated 2-1. at the Mohegan Sun Arena.
The Quebec defender has worn the “C” on his jersey for the past four seasons. Looking for a new challenge with the Pittsburgh Penguins school club, he gave way to Alex Belzile on the Rocket side.
It was not the time for pleasant reunions at the start of the meeting. The Penguins scored twice in the first period. After having stopped a good opposing attempt on the power play, the local favorites settled in Laval territory and it was Alexander Nylander who broke the ice with a superb shot.
Two Quebecers joined forces on the Penguins’ second goal. Samuel Houde, a former prospect for the Montreal Canadiens, took advantage of a turnaround on the Laval side to hand over to Nathan Légaré, who escaped before beating Cayden Primeau with a low throw.
Gabriel Bourque closed the gap on the power play late in the game. He can thank Ty Smith for this fourth success in as many games, the back being chased for sending the puck into the stands.
On the game, Xavier Simoneau took the opportunity to collect a first point among the professionals, while Mattias Norlinder added a third assist this season.
Dustin Tokarski, who returns to the Penguins after playing 29 games with the Buffalo Sabers in 2021-22, was solid stopping 26 shots from Rocket players. On the other side of the ice, Primeau made 21 saves.
Laval will have to quickly get back on its feet since it will face the Islanders on Saturday, in Bridgeport.