Laval Rocket Getting Much Needed Defensive Reinforcements?

Pickford and the Medicine Hat Tigers were eliminated in the WHL Eastern Conference Finals on Sunday night after they fell 7-6 to the Prince Albert Raiders to lose the series in 6 games. The Habs prospect failed to show the same magic offensively as he did during the regular season and last year’s postseason as he registered just 6 goals and 12 points in 15 games. Nonetheless, he was still among the top players for the Tigers in the playoffs, and his shot is still one of the most deadly of any junior player about to turn pro.

Unfortunately, the Tigers being eliminated puts an end to Pickford’s potential opportunity of playing in a third Memorial Cup. However, since he has already signed his entry-level contract, he has the ability to either be assigned to the Canadiens or the Rocket now that his junior season is over. Chances are he wouldn’t get an opportunity to play for the Habs, but there would be a place for him to join the Rocket if they were able to get past the Marlies.

It will be a tall task for the Rocket to win their series, given their recent struggles of having lost 6 of the last 7 meetings when we include this series. However, on the flip side, getting one of their best players back from the NHL could be what they need to turn the momentum heading into Game 4 on Tuesday night.

Engstrom is the type of player that can take over a game in the AHL with his elite skating abilities. With how the Rocket have been struggling lately, Engstrom’s return to the team has come at just the right time. Although, if the players around him don’t turn their games around, it may be too late for Engstrom to make a difference.

At the very least he could shore up the defence to help cover up the struggling goaltending that has been seen from both Kaapo Kahkonen and Hunter Shepard over the past two games, where they have combined for an . 800 save percentage allowing 11 goals on 55 shots. Hopefully the Rocket can turn things around in all aspects of their game, but especially goaltending, as they won’t be able to win any game with it. 800 dollars for goaltending for a night.

Being able to play some AHL playoff hockey would be great for Pickford to grow his game, but that won’t be possible unless the Rocket get their game figured out.

Do you think the Rockets will be able to turn things around with Engstrom in the lineup, or will their season end prematurely?