The Laval Rocket signed a third straight win by defeating the Manitoba Moose 4-2 on Tuesday at the Canada Life Centre.
After a quiet first 20, during which he allowed a goal and was outshot in the penalty shootout column, Jean-François Houle’s team woke up in the middle period. Joel Teasdale, Danick Martel and Louie Belpedio all found the back of the net within the first nine minutes of the kickoff to make it 3-1.
Austin Poganski gave the Moose hope by beating Kevin Poulin before retreating to the locker room, but Gabriel Bourque sealed the outcome of the game in an empty net.
Poulin was an integral part of the Laval team’s victory by virtue of a performance of 36 saves. He has been targeted 17 times more than his counterpart Arvid Holm, whose 18-stop night will not go down in history.
Jeff Malott was the only other player from the Manitoba squad to deceive Poulin’s vigilance. The 25-year-old forward has also reached the 20-goal plateau by scoring on the power play.
With a 4-0-2 record in its last six outings, the Rocket cemented their second place in the North Division of the American Hockey League. He will try to add some against this same Moose on Friday.