The Laval Rocket players knew they still had work to do to defeat Rochester Americans goaltender Malcolm Subban, who made life difficult for them a week ago. Jean-François Houle’s side struck quickly to put the game out of reach and win 5-2 at the Blue Cross Arena on Wednesday night.
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In their most recent duel, the Americans won 3-1 despite only 17 shots at Kevin Poulin. Subban had been awarded 41 saves, but this time the tables were turned.
The Rocket had all the answers to PK Subban’s brother’s attempted saves. Even after the visitors’ fourth net, he lost his temper. Lucas Condotta had just scored a goal by pushing the goalie’s ball. Enraged after the goal allowed by the officials, Subban received an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
The Montreal Canadiens-affiliated club’s first line got the job done. Captain Alex Belzile opened the scoring at 3:23 and also shook the ropes into an empty net. Anthony Richard scored his 19th goal of the season on the power play.
Gabriel Bourque got on target in the first period when he accepted the pass in the Santino Centorame enclave. The defenseman, who started the campaign with the Trois-Rivières Lions, scored his first career point in the American League.
It wasn’t until halfway through the second period that the Americans finally responded. Shooting himself after a spin, Anders overcame Björk Poulin.
The Quebec keeper was also surprised by Tyson Kozak towards the end of the game, who finished with 31 saves from 33 shots. For his part, Subban faced 18 shots.
It’s Friday that The Rocket takes back the necklace across from the Hershey Bears at the Place Bell. Farm club Washington Capitals leads the Eastern Conference with 54 points in 37 games.