LAH Series: Laval wins first game of series against Rochester

Despite a small bump early in the game, the Rocket bounced back fairly quickly thanks to help from the Canadiens’ two top defensive prospects.

Logan Mailloux tied the game with a nasty lead that probably could have pierced Devon Levi’s net. Then, just before the break, David Reinbacher put the Rocket ahead.

It was a first playoff goal with the Rocket for Reinbacher.

There were even more goals in the second period, but once again, the Rocket slacked off early in the frame. Konsta Helenius and Josh Dunne scored back-to-back goals to put the Americans back in front in the middle period.

I told you earlier in this piece that there were more goals in the second period than in the first. There were four in total, and the last two belonged to the Rocket!

The two teams tied again when Brandon Gignac scored on the powerplay, which was his first-ever goal in 2025!

Canadiens fans will be happy to know that Oliver Kapanen picked up his first point of the playoffs with an assist on this goal.

Laval returned to the dressing room on a high thanks to Alex Barré-Boulet’s goal. The Québécois foiled Devon Levi with just 42 seconds left in the second period, giving the Rocket a 4-3 lead.

Laval tried to hold on to that lead for long minutes, but the Americans’ pressure finally paid off. Isak Rosen foiled Cayden Primeau between the pads. Primeau allowed four goals in a game for the first time since February 26.

This game could have gone either way. So it was the perfect time for Oliver Kapanen to score his first-ever North American goal.

Cayden Primeau may have allowed four goals in this game, but he still helped his teammates, especially late in the game. The Rocket goaltender prevented the Americans from scoring in the final minutes, confirming the Rocket’s victory.

Laval thus escaped with victory in the first game of this series. The next match between these two teams will take place on Friday, again in Rochester.

In Overtime

– David Savard visited La Poche Bleue.

– Leafs fans are angry.

– A very interesting read.

– Lots of money for Tocchet.