The Laval Rocket showed character on Friday night at Place Bell. Thanks to a goal by Rafaël Harvey-Pinard during the first overtime period, the Canadiens’ subsidiary won 3-2 against the Springfield Thunderbirds.
The series is now tied 2 to 2. The fifth game will take place on Saturday evening in Laval.
Harvey-Pinard beat Joel Hofer with a wrist shot that went under the goalkeeper’s arm. He sowed hysteria in Place Bell. The 10,000 spectators jumped out of their seats.
“It’s the most important goal of my career, mentioned the hero of the day. When I scored, I forgot everything that happened for a few seconds.”
However, after this moment, we almost witnessed a general fight between the two teams. As the Rocket celebrated their win near the Thunderbirds’ exit, several players came to blows.
On the streak, Hofer was penalized for darting and he could be suspended in the next game. Everything will depend on the official’s report.
“There are a lot of things that are said on the ice, mentioned Alex Belzile. There are no friends on the ice and we go to war every night.
Excellent spectacle
We were treated to an excellent show. The intensity was there from the first face-off. After a great start from the visitors who scored two quick goals, the Rocket showed signs of life at the end of the first period.
Jean-Sébastien Dea closed the gap by deflecting a shot from the point with less than a second remaining. It was a goal that gave hope to his team and the fans.
In the morning, the Quebec striker was singled out by his head coach Jean-François Houle because of his performance in the last home game. Dea responded in the best way. He had a good game overall.
Cédric Paquette was the Rocket’s other scorer.
Un trio dominant
The Thunderbirds unit made up of Will Bitten, Dakota Joshua and Mackenzie MacEachern once again made it rain or shine on the ice. On Friday night, she made her presence felt again by giving Drew Bannister a 2-0 lead.
MacEachern and Joshua beat Cayden Primeau in the space of four minutes in the first period. Two goals that chilled the crowd.
Meanwhile, it felt like the Rocket were still trying to settle some old scores from the last game. The situation changed in the second half of the first period.
“We didn’t get the start we wanted,” said head coach Jean-François Houle. Despite this, we did not panic. It’s a team victory.
“During the first ten minutes, we were on our heels. We seemed confused and our execution was not on point.
High praise for Bourque
After missing the last game, Gabriel Bourque made a comeback. He had a big impact on the Rocket’s performance.
He was solid in all three areas while applying several big hits. Every time he was on the ice, the Quebecer provoked something.
“It’s our heart and soul,” Belzile said of his teammate. I only have good things to say about him. He brings us anger.”
“He was looking forward to coming back to play for us,” added Harvey-Pinard. It brings an intensity that you need. This is our spark plug”