Rocket Must Respond To Checkers With Physicality

The Montreal Canadiens have been busy with their offseason plans, but their affiliate team, the Laval Rocket, is right in the thick of an Eastern Conference final battle with the Charlotte Checkers, the AHL affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes.

Laval has their backs against the wall with the Checkers up 2-0 in the series, and they're looking to grab a stranglehold in game three, which will be in Charlotte, North Carolina. Back on home ice, with a 2-0 lead, the Checkers are looking to play spoiler.

To this point, they have done a tremendous job stifling the Rocket offense and finishing on every Laval player during every chance that presents itself. Laval needs to increase their physical game, and quickly, or they will be eaten alive.

Simply put, there isn't a secret formula or trick that the Rocket aren't doing; in fact, what has made the Xhekaj brothers famous is exactly what the Rocket need more of for the remainder of their playoff run.

Stocking up a line with Florian Xhekaj, Luke Tuch and Vincent Arseneau is precisely what will allow the Rocket to push back against the Checkers. On defense as well, Vincent has the luxury of Zack Hayes, William Trudeau, and the rest of the Rocket defense corps who are all game to play tougher.