Special teams give victory to the Rocket

UPDATE DAY

The Laval Rocket's special teams put on the show at Place Bell, with three home favorites scoring within a man in a 6-2 win over the Utica Comets, Saturday night.

The Montreal Canadiens' farm club did not receive many minor penalties – three in total – but they hit almost every time at four against five. Brandon Gignac led the way by scoring one of the most beautiful goals of the season for the Rocket.

The Quebecer brought himself shorthanded and overwhelmed defender Simon Nemec with a superb feint. His backhand shot surprised Nico Daws under the mitt, and the crowd was on their feet. Gignac added another net late in the game.

Visibly inspired by his teammate's feat, Nate Schnarr also hit the target during this numerical inferiority. Let's say that in the penalty box, Lucas Condotta must have had a big smile.

Mitchell Stephens scored twice at the start of the third period thanks to successes on the advantage and on the penalty kill. It was also Schnarr's turn to take his place in the dungeon. Joël Teasdale, on the massive attack, was the Rocket's other scorer.

Riley McKay was recently recalled from the Trois-Rivières Lions to add some muscle to the formation of Jean-Francois Houle. He and Nikita Okhotiuk engaged in the fight late in the first period, but their refusal to stop the hostilities led to their ejection by the officials.

In net, Cayden Primeau made 29 saves to sign a third straight victory.

The Rocket will play a three-game series against the Belleville Senators, starting Friday.