The Laval Rocket defeated the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins 4-0 on Monday in a crucial game in Laval’s quest for a playoff qualification in the American Hockey League.
The victory allowed the Rocket (31-29-10-72 points) to maintain a one-point lead over the Cleveland Monsters (32-30-7-71 points) in fifth place in the North Division.
The Monsters, who have a game in hand on the Rocket, posted a 2-1 win over the Grand Rapids Griffins on Monday night.
Rafaël Harvey-Pinard, Jesse Ylönen, Gabriel Bourque and Danick Martel, in an empty net, scored the goals for the Rocket. Cayden Primeau made 41 shutout saves. His opponent, Dustin Tokarski, stopped 33 pucks on 36 shots.
Harvey-Pinard, who was back in the AHL after a long stint with the Canadiens, scored the first goal of the game just 2:36 into the game, scoring with a good wrist shot on the power play right from the face-off in offensive territory. On the sequence, it only took two seconds for the Rocket to take advantage of the penalty imposed on the Penguins.
Harvey-Pinard said it wasn’t a perfect game for the Rocket, but the effort was there.
“We didn’t have our best game, but we went for a big win,” he said. I was excited to play that game. Fans are always fun here at Place Bell. »
Harvey-Pinard was treated to a video on the giant screen at Place Bell to highlight his return, after his success with the Canadiens in recent weeks. Even if the attacker risks being recalled soon by the Habs, he appreciated the video.
“It was a beautiful moment and it was fun to watch,” said Harvey-Pinard. I love this. I believe that is a good idea. »
The Rocket got their second power play of the game after 4:42 of play, but the better chances were produced by the Penguins, who even got a two-for-zero breakaway.
The Rocket led 17-12 in shots after a stretch in which they dominated most of the action.
Just 1:34 into the second period, Rocket defenseman Tory Dello was double-minored for high-sticking. The Penguins, however, failed to take advantage of this opportunity to get on the board.
Following a fine save from Primeau, three players were penalized after the whistle and the Penguins returned to the power play, but the visitors, once again, failed to take advantage.
Primeau again had to stand out late in the period, as the Penguins dominated the final minutes of the engagement in the Rocket zone.
Primeau made a fine right-leg save to hold on to a 1-0 lead for his side, who had to defend against six players due to a delayed penalty.
Primeau said the importance of the game and the support from the fans served as motivation for the team.
“We’re still in the hunt for the playoffs, so it was important to come in strong for this game,” noted the goaltender. We had to get this victory. The fans were loud from the start and we need them more than ever right now. »
The Penguins dominated the second period, firing 20 shots on Primeau’s net.
Rocket head coach Jean-François Houle said he was happy with his goalie’s work, especially at this time of year.
“He was very good, especially in the second period,” said Houle. He made key saves to keep us in the game. This is the kind of performance we expect from our goalkeepers at this kind of time of the season. »
Gaining a long five-on-three power play, the Rocket doubled their lead with a powerful shot from the blue line from Ylonen. Anthony Richard and Mitchell Stephens had the assists on the goal, scored 7:22 into the third period.
Bourque added a third goal for the Rocket with less than three minutes left in the game and Martel wrapped it up with an empty net goal.
Defender Nicolas Beaudin did not complete the game for the Rocket with an upper body injury.
The Rocket will play their next game Wednesday night at home against the Toronto Marlies.