The Laval Rocket’s special teams put on a show at Place Bell, with three home favorites scoring within a man in a 6-2 win over the Utica Comets on Saturday night.
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The school club of the Montreal Canadiens did not receive many minor penalties – three in total – but they hit almost every time at four against five. Brandon Gignac led the way with one of the best goals of the Rocket season.
The Quebecer came shorthanded and overwhelmed defender Simon Nemec with a superb feint. His backhand shot surprised Nico Daws under the mitt, and the crowd was on their feet. Gignac added another net late in the game.
Visibly inspired by the exploit of his teammate, Nate Schnarr also hit the target during this numerical inferiority. Let’s say that in the penalty box, Lucas Condotta must have had a big smile.
Mitchell Stephens scored a brace early in the third period on powerplay and shorthanded play. It was also Schnarr’s turn to take his place in the dungeon. Joel Teasdale, on the massive attack, was the Rocket’s other scorer.
Riley McKay was recently recalled from the Trois-Rivières Lions to add some muscle to Jean-François Houle’s roster. He and Nikita Okhotiuk engaged in the fight late in the first period, but their refusal to stop hostilities led to their ejection by the officials.
In goal, Cayden Primeau made 29 saves for a third straight win.
The Rocket will play a three-game series against the Belleville Senators on Friday.