The Laval Rocket found the energy at the end of the game to score four straight goals in nine minutes and beat the Toronto Marlies 5-3 on Friday night at Place Bell.
Even though they were down 3-1 after Nick Robertson’s goal early in the third period, the Montreal Canadiens’ farm club players continued to believe.
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With 9:13 left in the quarter, Philippe Maillet opened his counterattack with the Rocket, then Jan Mysak equalized 28 seconds later.
Maillet was dissatisfied with this new draw and with just over a minute left on the scoreboard he once again denounced the experienced Martin Jones. Brandon Gignac dashed hopes of a comeback by scoring in a net desert.
Laval also gave himself a little confidence by scoring the first goal in the first period. Sean Farrell took advantage of an opponent’s loss of the puck in the defensive zone to take a quick shot that hit the post. Xavier Simoneau quickly found the puck and passed it to Mitchell Stephens, who beat Jones.
In front of the net, Jakub Dobes played his best game in a Rocket jersey and faced 32 of the Marlies’ 35 shots. Gignac had three points, Logan Mailloux had two assists and Riley Kidney had his first professional point.
It’s only the Rocket’s second win in eight games this season. This is also the first time he has allowed three or fewer goals to an opponent.
The Toronto Maple Leafs team will stay in town for the second straight clash at Place Bell on Saturday.