In 2022-2023, the Laval Rocket often, very often crossed paths with the Belleville Senators and it is very rare that it paid off. Wednesday, at Place Bell, the Laval squad lost patience during a 5-1 loss.
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No less than 95 penalty minutes were awarded on both sides. In this tough match where two fights and several scuffles broke outーmostly initiated by the Rocketー, the hosts lost the special teams battle.
Jean-François Houle’s squad took advantage of only one of their eight chances on a massive attack, but conceded four goals in nine situations short of a man.
The young Lassi Thomson had not threaded the needle since November 12 and he remedied the situation by deceiving the vigilance of Cayden Primeau twice on the power play. Each time, his snappy throws from the blue line made their way to the back of the Rocket’s cage.
Cole Reinhardt and Roby Jarventie also hit the target with massive attacks. Ridly Greig, one of the Ottawa Senators’ top prospects, completed the scoring.
The only goal for the Rocket, the work of William Trudeau, was the result of a “Hail Mary” from Houle. With more than 10 minutes left in the third period, he withdrew his goalkeeper in favor of a double power play, and the Quebec defender took the opportunity to score with a one-timer.
It was the 12th meeting between these two Canadian rivals. Although the Senators are last in the North Division, they have won nine of their 12 games against the Rocket this season.
On Friday, the Montreal Canadiens school club will be back on the road. He will face the Crunch in Syracuse.