(Laval) The Laval Rocket showed their strength of character by overcoming a three-goal deficit to claim a 5-3 victory over the North Division leaders, the Utica Comets, in an American League duel hockey, Saturday.
Posted at 7:39 p.m.
The Rocket (34-23-5) has a point in 10 of its last 12 games (8-2-2). The team is second in the North Division in points percentage, behind the Comets.
The Comets (39-18-8) had the chance to confirm their place in the playoffs if they collected a point against the Rocket. They can still qualify if the Rochester Americans are defeated.
The Comets got off to a flying start, scoring three goals in the space of two minutes before the halfway point of the first period. Alexander Holtz, Ryan Schmelzer then Nolan Foote blacked out the score sheet.
The locals, however, had not said their last word. The timeout requested by Rocket head coach Jean-François Houle had the desired effect.
Joël Teasdale scored his first goal with a nice fake on a partial breakaway, before following the puck into the back of the net due to contact. Nate Schnarr was an accomplice of the goal.
A few moments later, Schnarr won his face-off in a clear way and was able to hand the disc to Kevin Roy who beat Akira Schmid with a precise shot.
Alex Belzile then brought both teams back to square one when he pounced on a loose puck in front of the net shortly before the end of the first period. Sami Niku and Xavier Ouellet provided help.
After a scoreless middle period, Jean-Sébastien Dea accepted the pass from Rafaël Harvey-Pinard to storm the opposing territory at full speed. His wrist shot surprised the far side keeper. Belzile picked up an assist on the streak.
Dea scored the insurance goal into an empty net.
Cayden Primeau made 34 saves in the win. His vis-à-vis, Schmid, stopped 33 shots.
There are only 10 regular season games left for the Laval team. On Monday in Belleville against the Senators, the Rocket will begin a five-game road streak.