Effort, not over in December
The Laval Rocket’s late-December slide looked like a season setback, but the mood in the locker room changed dramatically on Saturday as two young leaders stepped forward to steer the comeback. After a rough stretch that featured suspensions from a brawl with the Toronto Marlies and a three-game skid that threatened to widen the division gap, Laval found renewed momentum in a game that mattered when it counted most.
Key performances from Reinbacher and Xhekaj
Defenceman Philippe Reinbacher and forward Arber Xhekaj were the catalysts for Laval’s surge. Reinbacher, trusted with critical minutes in the defensive end, used smart skating and timely pinches to create chances in transition. His calm presence under pressure helped stabilize a game that had briefly tilted in the Marlies’ favor. Xhekaj, known for his physical intensity and two-way game, delivered the kind of all-situations shift that energizes teammates and fans alike. He contributed offensively with a timely scoring burst and consistently pressured Toronto’s breakout attempts.
Turning the tide late in the game
As the first two periods wore on, Laval found themselves trailing and searching for a spark. The Rockets dug deep, leaning on a cohesive response that reflected the coaching staff’s emphasis on resilience. A power-play opportunity spurred by disciplined penalty killing earlier in the game finally yielded dividends in the third period. Reinbacher’s presence at the blue line helped Laval regain cycling in the offensive zone, setting up a sequence that culminated in a go-ahead strike.
Team buy-in and depth scoring
Beyond the star performances, Laval’s depth players stepped up when it mattered most. The secondary scoring unit supplied a critical push, creating opportunities off quick passes and keeping the Marlies from settling into a comfortable rhythm. This game highlighted the Rocket’s depth, an important factor given the grind of December and the broader schedule. The result was a balanced effort where every line contributed at key moments, underscoring why depth was the focal point in training camp.
Defensive discipline and goaltending stand tall
On the defensive side, Laval tightened gaps and limited high-danger chances after the intermission. The pairing of Reinbacher with his partner enabled smoother transitions, while the Rockets’ goaltender delivered crucial stops in the late stages. A few key saves in the final minutes preserved the late lead and relieved the pressure on the bench, allowing the team to seal the victory with decisive plays in the dying moments.
What this win means for Laval going forward
Defensive structure, pace of play, and the renewed confidence from Reinbacher and Xhekaj give Laval a tangible blueprint for sustaining momentum. The comeback win serves as a reminder that late-season pushes are built on a foundation of smart decisions, disciplined counterpunching, and players stepping into leadership roles when the team needs them most. While the schedule remains demanding, Saturday’s performance demonstrates that Laval can execute under pressure and respond to adversity with a game plan that emphasizes puck management and confident finish.
Looking ahead
As Laval moves forward, the club will look to replicate this balanced approach—strong defense, timely offense, and continued development from Reinbacher and Xhekaj. If these traits carry into January, the Rockets will be well-positioned to reclaim the momentum that had them atop the division earlier in the season. Fans can expect a continued emphasis on structure and grit, with the duo of Reinbacher and Xhekaj leading by example as the stretch run approaches.
