On Saturday afternoon, the Laval Rocket defeated the Toronto Marlies with a score of 4-2 at Place Bell. Joshua Roy stood out by scoring one goal and providing two assists, playing a crucial role in the victory. This match marked the first encounter between the teams in Laval since the incident on December 12, when Michael Pezzetta’s hit led to a series of suspensions for the Rocket players. Despite the previous tensions, the game was primarily focused on hockey, with only a brief fight between Tyler Thorpe and Blake Smith.
Game Highlights
The Rocket, now at a record of 31 wins, 14 losses, and 4 overtime losses, celebrated their seventh consecutive win. They currently lead the North Division by ten points. Other players contributing to the victory included Laurent Dauphin, Owen Beck, and Lucas Condotta.
Key Player Performances
- Joshua Roy: One goal, two assists.
- Kaapo Kahkonen: Stopped 14 shots in his first game since January 21.
- Artur Akhtyamov: Made 20 saves but took the loss for the Marlies.
The Marlies, with a current record of 23 wins, 16 losses, and 7 overtime losses, had previously gone eight games without a regulation loss. They kept the game competitive when Luke Haymes and Ryan Tverberg found the net.
Match Overview
The opening period saw the Marlies strike first, with Haymes capitalizing on a turnover to score. Despite a lackluster offensive showing, the Rocket maintained defensive pressure, allowing only three shots on goal in the first period.
As the second period began, Joshua Roy’s contributions became increasingly evident. He set up Dauphin for a goal after forcing a turnover. Roy continued his strong performance, assisting Beck with a well-placed pass, demonstrating his skill and vision on the ice.
With time winding down, Tverberg managed to score for the Marlies, posing a challenge for the Rocket. However, Roy sealed the game by scoring into an empty net, ensuring a solid victory.
Upcoming Matches
Both teams will face off again on Monday, but this time the game will take place in Toronto. Fans can expect another thrilling encounter between these rivals as they vie for crucial points in the standings.
