The Laval Rocket pleased its fans by winning the first game of its third-round series against the Rochester Americans by a score of 6 to 1, Sunday, at Place Bell.
• Read also: A good challenge for the Rocket’s attack
Hockey fans had turned out in large numbers to encourage the Montreal Canadiens’ school club in the American Hockey League. The 10,043 spectators were able to witness a performance by their compatriot Danick Martel.
The 27-year-old Quebecer scored four goals to allow his team to get their hands on the first game in this best-of-five series.
Propelled by the individual prowess of Martel, the Rocket took off with three goals in the second period, including two from the hero of the day.
Without being dominated, the Laval residents saw the Americans hungrier in the first period. JJ Peterka also allowed the visitors to be the first to register for the mark, but Martel brought everyone back to square one by deflecting a shot from Brandon Gignac behind goalkeeper Aaron Dell.
In front of the Rocket cage, Cayden Primeau was very good and repelled 31 of 32 shots from his rivals.
The other successes of the Rocket were the work of Cédric Paquette and Nate Schnarr. The goal of the first of these was orchestrated by a magnificent game from Rafaël Harvey-Pinard, who made a rival look bad with a skilful feint in the second period.
The Rocket will look to double their lead against the Americans on Monday night in another matchup at Place Bell.
Riley Kidney is coming to Laval
Prior to the first game against the Americans, Canadian prospect Riley Kidney signed a pro trial contract with the Rocket.
Kidney, who signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Habs earlier in May, saw his season come to an end in the second round of the playoffs with the Acadie-Bathurst Titan. His Quebec Major Junior Hockey League club was eliminated in three games by the Charlottetown Islanders.
Kidney has two goals and eight points in eight playoff games. He had previously scored 30 goals and amassed 100 points in 66 regular season games.
The 19-year-old Nova Scotian was drafted in the second round by the Canadiens in 2021.