Laval Rocket Secure Win Over Calgary Wranglers With Two Short-Handed Goals

Rocket and Wranglers Face Off in Halloween Showdown

The Laval Rocket and Calgary Wranglers met for their second game of the week at the Saddledome, aiming to settle scores after an intense opening match. With division standings in mind, both teams brought energy and physical play to this Halloween faceoff. Goaltenders Kevin Mandolese for Laval and Kirill Zarubin for Calgary took the nets, while Ethan Samson joined Laval's defense, replacing Owen Protz on the third pair.

First Period: Missed Power Play Opportunities

Laval started strong, pressing Calgary in their own zone and quickly drawing a penalty as Abram Wiebe shot the puck over the glass. Despite the early power play, the Rocket struggled with zone entries and managed only one shot from Reilly Walsh. Another power play opportunity came after Nikita Pavlychev's penalty for roughing, but Laval continued to falter offensively, recording no shots during the advantage. The period saw little engagement overall, with momentum stalling even at even strength and the Rocket leading 6-2 in shots at the break.

Second Period: Wranglers Strike First Amid Multiple Fights

The Rocket looked more energetic on an early second-period power play but were stopped by Zarubin's goaltender performance. Momentum shifted when the Wranglers' Alex Nylander capitalized on a scoring opportunity, beating Mandolese for the game's first goal. Tempers flared shortly after, with Tyler Thorpe and Alex Hurtig trading blows, resulting in Thorpe leaving the ice bloodied. Another fight between Braden Haché and Bayden Pachal quickly followed, showing the game's rising intensity.

Special Teams Shift the Game

Despite trailing on the scoreboard, Laval led in shots and controlled much of the pace. After more roughing penalties led to four-on-four and a Calgary power play, the Rocket's penalty kill demonstrated their resilience. David Reinbacher collected a loose puck, setting up Laurent Dauphin, who assisted Jared Davidson for a breakaway short-handed goal, tying the game. Scrums and further penalties kept the intensity high as both teams fought for control.

Third Period: Rocket Take the Lead With Another Short-Handed Goal

Laval began the third period with strong offensive pressure, their first line setting the tone and forcing Zarubin into several crucial saves. When Hunter McKown was penalized, the Rocket stayed aggressive even while short-handed. Dauphin and Xavier Simoneau executed game-changing plays, with Simoneau intercepting a clearing attempt and scoring the Rocket's second short-handed goal, giving Laval their first lead of the night.

Defensive Play Seals the Win

The Rocket dominated in shots, leading 27-9 midway through the period. Calgary struggled to generate significant chances, unable to break through Laval's defensive strategies. Pulling the goaltender in the final minutes, the Wranglers managed only two late attempts as Mandolese and the Rocket defense held strong to secure the 2-1 win. This marked Laval's first victory since October 23.

Looking Ahead

Laval hopes this victory propels them into a new winning streak as they return home for their next game against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. The Rocket's success on special teams—particularly their two short-handed goals—stands out as a highlight of their performance in this tightly contested matchup.

Source: habseyesontheprize.com.