The Laval Rocket was well in control of its game against the Belleville Senators, but a burst of pride from the visitors allowed them to save themselves with a 2-1 victory in overtime, Wednesday night, at Place Bell.
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Tempers flared in the third period, when the score was 1-0 for Jean-François Houle’s men. Senators captain Dillon Heatherington lunged at defenseman William Trudeau and a scrum ensued. It re-energized the visitors, who tied the game through Jake Lucchini moments later.
After two minutes in overtime, Scott Sabourin beat Cayden Primeau. This is the sixth win in eight games this season for the Ottawa Senators school club over the Montreal Canadiens.
Joël Teasdale had a rather busy start to the game. After receiving a double minor penalty for a stick carried too high, the Quebecer scored on the power play 10 minutes later. Peter Abbandonato served him a fine backhand pass and the shot from the left winger was unmistakable.
Teasdale’s time on the ice, however, came to an abrupt end in the second period when he received a puck in the face. He was back in third, he who was finally cut in the forehead after the disc destroyed his visor. It could have been a heavy loss for the Rocket, as the 23-year-old has scored four goals in his last four games.
The leading scorer of the local favorites, Anthony Richard, almost scored his 21st goal of the year in the middle of the third period. However, it was with his skate that he pushed the puck into the net.
In front of the Belleville cage, Blainvillois Kevin Mandolese outdid himself with 33 saves on 34 shots. On the other side of the rink, Primeau stood before 30 shots.
The Rocket will now head to Cleveland to face the Monsters twice, Friday and Saturday.