Rocket News: AHL, Laval Rocket, Rochester Americans, Jean-Francois Houle, Mattias Norlinder, Riley Kidney, Gianni Fairbrother, Calder Cup Playoffs, Rocket Sports Media
ROCKET SPORTS MEDIA | LAVAL, QC. —The Laval Rocket will be hosting the Rochester Americans tonight at Place Bell. Laval will be looking to take a 2-0 series lead, following Sunday’s 6-1 win.
Despite the commanding victory, coach Jean-Francois Houle said there’s lessons for his team. “I believe we need a better start. I thought they had a couple of chances to score early on that could have cost us, and we got to be disciplined against this team. It’s very important. We took four (penalties) yesterday in a row. Our penalty-kill did a great job, but [Rochester] could have got a goal or two, and they could have got back into the game, so it’s going to be important to be disciplined.”
The series is far from being over regardless of the lopsided result from Sunday. In their second round series, the Americans lost the first game to the Utica Comets 6-3, and bounced back to win the series in five games.
“Every game is different. Never too high, never too low. I think it’s important for us to remain calm, and attack the game as it is, and not be too high from last night,” Houle said.
Norlinder Sidelined
Game 1 ended with a scrum following a hit to the head by Ben Holmstrom on Mattias Norlinder. Holmstrom received a checking to the head minor, and 10-minute game misconduct on the sequence. Norlinder will not be available for game 2 with an upper-body injury.
Gianni Fairbrother may return to the lineup. The 21-year old has not played since Mar. 4th following a collision during a game against the Abbotsford Canucks.
Gianni Fairbrother has left the game with injury. He appears to have bene hurt during this sequence. @TheAHLReport pic.twitter.com/rJDsQlwXn2
— Chris G (@ChrisHabs360) March 5, 2022
Kidney Gaining Experience
After signing an amateur tryout contract, forward Riley Kidney joined Laval on Sunday, and will be around the team soaking the experience.
“It’s nice to have him around, nice for him to soak in the experience. He’s going to be watching here for a little bit, skate with the team, and see how he feels, and we’ll see if he’s apt to play or not. But for now, he’s just going to be around and enjoy the time being here, and get the experience of being in the playoffs,” Houle said.