(Abbotsford) Three unanswered goals to start the game allowed the Abbotsford Canucks to take the measure of the Laval Rocket for the second time in less than 24 hours, this time by a score of 6-3 on Sunday.
The Rocket had dropped the flag 7-5 the day before, also in British Columbia.
Rocket star forward Anthony Richard found the back of the net for the 15e times of the season and tied for first in scoring in the American Hockey League. With 25 points in 23 games, the Quebecer ranks fifth in the AHL scoring standings.
Peter Abbandonato, who scored twice the day before, and Lucas Condotta also hit the target for the Laval residents.
In front of the Rocket cage (7-13-3), Kevin Poulin made 17 saves against 21 shots before giving up his place. In relief, Joseph Vrbetic stopped three shots.
Lane Pederson, author of a goal and two assists, was at the heart of the Canucks offense as was Christian Wolanin, who amassed four assists.
Justin Dowling, Will Lockwood, Wyatt Kalynuk, Kyle Rau and Vasily Podkolzin also scored for the Canucks (11-7-2). Arturs Silovs stopped 33 shots in the win.
Jean-François Houle’s men will benefit from a few days off before resuming the collar. The Rocket will be back in action Friday night in Laval for the first of a two-game series against the Belleville Senators.