Laval Rocket Stages Dramatic Comeback to Defeat Belleville Senators in Overtime

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Laval Rocket Overcomes Four-Goal Deficit Against Belleville Senators

The Laval Rocket delivered an impressive ahl comeback on Friday night, rallying from a 4-0 deficit to defeat the Belleville Senators 5-4 in overtime. The win marks Laval's fourth consecutive victory after starting the ahl season with a loss.

Lineup Changes and Early Game Action

Laval entered the game without David Reinbacher and Owen Beck, who were recalled to Montreal during the week. Filip Mešár filled Beck's spot on the second line, while Max Szuber replaced Reinbacher on the top pairing with Luke Mittelstadt. Owen Protz returned on defense, and Israel Mianscum made his season debut. Kaapo Kähkönen started in goal.

The Rocket started strong offensively, generating early pressure and outshooting their opponents. However, despite several chances and a 10-2 shot advantage midway through the period, goaltender Jonas Johansson kept Laval scoreless.

Belleville Senators Build Early Lead

The momentum shifted as Belleville capitalized on power play opportunities. Christian Kyrou set up Kasper Halttunen, who scored his first of the night just 40 seconds into a power play. Shortly after, Shane Bowers found the net, making it 2-0. After a period of defensive struggles from Laval, Halttunen added two more goals, completing a hat trick early in the second period and pushing the Senators' lead to 4-0.

Laval's Momentum Shifts with Key Play

The tide began to turn after Belleville's fourth goal. On a power play, Pastujov regained control of a loose puck and scored, cutting the deficit to 4-1. As the second period closed, Laval led in shots but still trailed on the scoreboard.

The third period saw increased aggression from the Rocket. Brett Berard capitalized on a power play opportunity, with crisp passing from Jared Davidson and Mittelstadt, narrowing the gap to 4-2. Less than five minutes from the end, a breakout play involving Davidson and Mešár set up Hunter McKown for his first goal in a Rocket uniform, bringing Laval within one.

Forcing Overtime and Securing the Win

Laval continued to control play late in the third, dominating puck possession and consistently pressuring Belleville. With two and a half minutes left, Simoneau set up Walsh, whose shot deflected off a skate to Filip Mešár, who scored through traffic to tie the game.

In overtime, both teams struggled for the breakthrough. With 30 seconds remaining, Mešár drew a tripping penalty. On the power play, Reilly Walsh and Pastujov cycled the puck before finding Luke Mittelstadt, who fired the game-winner above Johansson's right pad, completing the come-from-behind victory. This goal gave Mittelstadt his third point of the night and secured Laval's overtime win.

Standout Performances and Next Challenge

With his performance, Luke Mittelstadt now leads the AHL in scoring, collecting 10 points in five games, two ahead of the next player. The Laval Rocket outshot Belleville 46-25 and demonstrated resilience and teamwork throughout the contest.

Laval's next game will be against Utica as they complete their back-to-back road trip, with puck drop scheduled for 6 PM ET.