The Laval Rocket saw their fine playoff run come to an end in the Eastern Conference Finals. On Wednesday in Springfield, the Montreal Canadiens school club lost 4-0 to the Thunderbirds in the seventh game of their series.
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Jean-François Houle’s men met a Charlie Lindgren in full possession of his means. The man, who started his pro career with the Habs organization in 2016, stopped all 34 shots aimed at him to sign the shutout. He was particularly effective in the second and third periods, blocking all 13 shots he faced in each of those engagements.
Lindgren made some of his best saves against Danick Martel. The attacker, who, among other things, deflected seven shots into the opposition’s net, missed a golden opportunity to reduce the deficit to two goals in the round of 16.
Photo QMI AGENCY, SHAE KOHARSKI
Despite the setback, the CH School Club can be proud of its first Spring Ball since settling on Montreal’s North Shore in 2017. He first eliminated the Syracuse Crunch in five games before defeating the Rochester Americans to advance to this round.
The penalty gives way
29 perfects in six games, the Rocket’s undermanning allowed the Thunderbirds their first goal when they took advantage of a man.
Brandon Gignac was just eight seconds in the dungeon when Matthew Peca shook the ropes on the 30th attempt of his streak in the first period.
Photo QMI AGENCY, SHAE KOHARSKI
The crowd favorites seemed to take a liking to this as Nathan Todd also eluded Cayden Primeau’s vigilance as his team played with an extra man. Primeau eventually managed 36 saves, he also yielding to Dakota Joshua. The latter also completed the goal in an empty net.
That means the Thunderbirds will take on the Chicago Wolves in the Calder Cup Finals.