Breaking: Laval Rocket Rally Past Utica Comets 5-4 in OT at place Bell
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LAVAL, QUE. — The Laval Rocket completed a late comeback and defeated the Utica Comets 5-4 in overtime on Friday night at Place Bell, stretching their win streak to four games. Veteran forward Jared Davidson delivered the decisive goal just moments into overtime, sealing the visit’s fate for Utica.
In a dramatic turnaround, Laval tied the game late with Alex Belzile posting two goals and two assists, including the equalizer on a power play with 5:21 left in regulation. Sean Farrell chipped in two assists, while Luke Tuch also found the back of the net as the Rocket improved to 21-10-1.
Laurent Dauphin extended his point streak to 16 games, continuing his hot run for Laval. Goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen stopped 27 shots to secure the win for the Rocket.
For the Utica Comets, Brian Halonen scored twice and Leeni Hämeläho (Leeni Hameenaho) added a goal, with Angus Crookshank also lighting the lamp. Kyle Criscuolo contributed three assists, and Sean Casey added two as Utica suffered its third loss in a row. Nico Daws faced 35 shots and allowed five goals, matching his team’s rough afternoon in net.
The opening frame saw Utica surge early, firing seven shots before Laval’s penalty kill sparked a momentum shift that led to the Rocket’s first tally. Belzile’s smart work against the boards set up Farrell for the breakthrough at Laval’s end, giving the home side a glimpse of the fight ahead.
The second period swung in Utica’s favor, as the visitors struck twice in rapid succession to take a 3-1 lead. criscuolo threaded a pass to Halonen in the slot, who finished with a precise wrist shot. Laval responded by narrowing the gap on a long-range strike misread by Daws, then Belzile tied the score with a backhand finish following strong penalty-kill pressure.
With the clock ticking in the final frame, Halonen redirected a shot from Thomas Bordeleau just two seconds after a Xavier Simoneau penalty, briefly pushing Utica ahead. Laval answered back when Belzile broke through again, equalizing and forcing the overtime period.
Davidson’s overtime clincher came on Laval’s first man-advantage of the extra session, as he fired a well-placed shot past Daws to seal the comeback victory at Place Bell.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Final Score | Laval 5, Utica 4 (OT) |
| Venue | Place Bell, Laval, Quebec |
| Date | Friday night |
| Laval Record | 21-10-1 |
| Utica Record | 7-16-6 |
| OT Goal | Jared Davidson (Laval) |
| Top Laval Scorer(s) | Alex Belzile — 2G, 2A; Sean Farrell — 2A; Laurent Dauphin — point in 16 straight |
| Goaltenders | Kaapo kahkonen (Laval) 27 saves; Nico Daws (utica) 35 shots, 5 goals |
What It Means Long Term
The Rockets continue to showcase depth as Belzile and Dauphin fuel a late-season push, combining scoring with strong penalty-kill work to swing tight games in Laval’s favor. Utica, despite flashes of offense from Halonen, Hämeläho and Crookshank, remains mired near the bottom of the league standings, needing more consistency between the pipes and on special teams to snap its skid.
evergreen insights for readers
Overtime winners frequently enough reflect a team’s resilience and depth, and Laval’s run suggests the Rocket can win in a variety of ways—weather by getting goals from top lines or grinding through a tough defensive battle.As the season progresses, teams that sustain momentum typically convert late-game chances on the power play, a trend that could play a larger role in shaping standings and playoff outcomes.
Reader Engagement
What moment stood out most to you in this comeback? Which Laval player should be watched as the team charges toward the postseason?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and tell us which matchup you’re most eager to see next weekend.
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