Rocket Lineup

Charles Hudon – Jake Evans – William Pelletier

Yannick Veilleux – Michael McCarron – Dale Weise

Alexandre Alain – Kevin Lynch – Joe Cox

Hayden Verbeek – Nikita Jevpalovs – Ralph Cuddemi

Gustav Olofsson – Xavier Ouellet

Otto Leskinen – Evan McEneny

Karl Alzner – Josh Brook

Keith Kinkiad – Cayden Primeau

James Phelan, Michael Pezzetta, Maxim Lamarche, Antoine Waked

Phil Varone (wrist), Noah Juulsen (upper body), Alex Belzile (pectoral surgery)

Game Report

Game Report written by Chris G

The Marlies were in town for the Rocket’s first game after a week off for Christmas. Friday was the third game this season between the North Division rivals, with each team having won one game in the season series. 

Laval entered the game without a win in their last four games, losing 5-3 to Utica in their last game before the break on December 20th. Toronto lost 3-2 against Belleville on Thursday, their fourth loss in their last five games.   

Charles Hudon, Dale Weise, and Karl Alzner made their return to the lineup. Hudon missed the last game with a lower body injury, Weise missed the last three games with an upper body injury, and Alzner didn’t play in Utica due to illness. Michael Pezzetta, Antoine Waked, and Maxim Lamarche sat out to make room for the returning players. 

Keith Kinkaid got the start in goal for Laval. In his last start, Kinkaid allowed two goals on 20 shots in a loss against Rockford. 

The Rocket had the most dangerous scoring opportunities, however were unable to score. Jake Evans set up Hudon for a shot from the crease, and his shot went over the net at the 11:30 mark.  

With 4:53 remaining, Michael McCarron took a hard wrist shot that hit the cross bar and with 3:15 remaining Ralph Cuddemi’s shot from the blue paint was stopped by Kasimir Kaskisuo. The Marlies didn’t obtain any quality scoring chances against Kinkaid in the frame.

Laval started the second period with a couple of two-on-ones that they weren’t able to finish. Nikita Jevpalovs set up Alzner at 3:34 into the period and 1:19 later Kevin Lynch set up Joe Cox on their respective odd-man opportunities. 

The Marlies opened the scoring at 7:35 of the period as Jeremy Bracco set up Pontus Aberg during a power play for a one-timer that beat Kinkaid top corner blocker side. 

Then 23 seconds later, Kalle Kossila picked up a rebound inside the crease from Mason Marchment’s shot to score. Toronto wasn’t done, as 36 seconds later Joseph Duszak scored with a wrist shot from the top of the faceoff circle.  

The crowd at Place Bell gave Kinkaid a sarcastic cheer after making his next save, after allowing three goals in a span of 59 seconds.   

Evan McEneny opened the scoring for Laval with 2:40 remaining in the period while on a power play. It was his first goal of the season that came with a blast from the point. Alexandre Alain’s assist on that goal extended his point streak to three games. 

Yannick Veilleux redirected Gustav Olofsson’s point shot 28 seconds later to cut the lead to one goal. Veilleux has scored in both games since signing his professional tryout contract with Laval, and Olofsson’s assist was his first point in 10 games.  

Cayden Primeau was sent to defend the goal in the third period after Kinkaid was pulled due to cramps. Kinkaid allowed three goals on 19 shots. 

The Rocket controlled the play in the final frame, allowing the Marlies to take their first shot with 4:14 remaining. Laval was outshooting their opponents 8-0 at that point. The home team had two power play opportunities in the period, but weren’t able to capitalize. 

The Rocket will attempt to snap their five game losing streak on Saturday at 3:00 pm eastern time in the second game of the weekend series against the Marlies. Listen to full audio of player and coach post-game interviews in the player below.

Plus / Minus

▲  Otto Leskinen, Charles Hudon, Kevin Lynch

▼  Keith Kinkaid