The Laval Rocket completed its 2021-2022 regular season with an impressive 5-1 win over the Crunch on Saturday in Syracuse.
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This victory is significant for two reasons. First, Jean-François Houle’s men secured third place in the North Division, giving them a bye to the first round of the playoffs under the new American League playoff format, which allows 23 teams to qualify.
Moreover, it is a moral gain, since the Crunch will be his opponent in the second round. This is also the first time since his arrival in Laval that the Rocket will participate in the spring ball, he who would certainly have participated last season. However, COVID-19 prevented this.
In the duel of the day, the visitors were not too worried, even if they allowed the first goal of the match, a success of Gage Goncalves at the expense of Kevin Poulin shortly before halfway through the first period. The masked Rocket man ultimately repelled 24 of 25 pucks aimed his way.
Cédric Paquette led the Rocket’s offense with two goals. Nate Schnarr, Joël Teasdale and Corey Schueneman also hit the target for the winners.
This means that the Rocket ends its campaign with a record of 39-26-5-2, for a total of 85 points in 72 games. Quebecer Rafaël Harvey-Pinard finished first in team scoring, with 56 points in 69 games.