On Tuesday, the Laval Rocket advanced to the American Hockey League’s (AHL) North Division Final by eliminating the Cleveland Monsters in four games in the best-of-five. The bonus for the Montreal Canadiens is that some of their prospects played a key role in the series win.
Fowler Steps Up
First up, Jacob Fowler joined the Rocket after signing an amateur tryout following his season with Boston College in the NCAA. He started three games in the regular season, winning twice, 2.32 goals against average and .914 save percentage.
Then, Samuel Montembeault’s groin injury during Game 3 of the series against the Washington Capitals, forced Cayden Primeau’s recall to the National Hockey League (NHL). This opened the door for Pascal Vincent to give the net to their rookie goaltender. Fowler delivered two road victories in Cleveland, including a 20-save shutout in Game 2.
Eventually, Primeau returned to the AHL following the Canadiens elimination. Vincent made the decision to break a winning lineup, starting Primeau between the pipes. Considering Primeau brought the team to the playoffs with 21 wins in 26 games, coach Vincent made an understandable choice. Unfortunately, Cleveland’s only win of the series came when the Rocket played their worst game of the series in front of Primeau.
The coach returned Fowler in goal for Game 5 and it paid off as the 20-year old made 18 saves in his team’s series deciding 4-1 victory.
Ride the Hot Goalie?
The easy decision for Vincent would be to start the hot goalie in the North Division final against the Rochester Americans on May 14.
“We will have a long break until the next series and we know that we will need both goalies. We will use both goalies. Will it be a rotation? I don’t know yet,” said the coach, commenting about his upcoming plans.
Vincent might be holding his cards close to his chest, avoiding to reveal his plan to the Sabres AHL affiliate. On one hand, he has a goalie that was drafted by the team in 2017, who has spent the last six seasons with the organization and was one of the top goalies in the AHL. On the other, the Canadiens top prospect between the pipes that is currently on a roll.
“He’s very talented. His hockey sense is very good. I think he has a lot of leadership in him,” Vincent noted about Fowler. “He comes early in the morning, he wants to be coached, and there isn’t a lot that impresses him. It’s a big stage here. He comes in as a young player and does the job the way he does in a professional league, it’s impressive. His hockey sense, his speed, his ability to watch the play develop in front of him is exceptional.”
Mailloux Finding His Game
David Savard’s retirement creates an opening on right defense for the Canadiens next season. Management has several avenues to fill that gap. They can look externally to add a player via trade or free agency, or they can look internally for the solution.
David Reinbacher and Logan Mailloux are right-shooting defensemen that are favorites amongst internal candidates to fill the gap.
“We’re hoping that Laval has a long playoff run. The more they advance, the more chances that we have to see them and see at what point they’re ready,” Kent Hughes said about the pair during his end of season media availability.
Mailloux played a crucial role in the Rocket’s series win in the playoffs, obtaining three points in four games, including the insurance goal in the final matchup.
“I’m trying to win hockey games,” the defenceman said when asked if he’s sending a message to management. “I’m hoping to win a Calder Cup before anything. That’s my focus.”
Vincent’s focus with the Canadiens 2021 first round draft pick was to help him with his defensive play and develop him to a complete player. He appears to be putting it all together as of late.
“He’s playing the best hockey I’ve seen him so far. Consistency wise, routes on the ice, killing plays, decisions with the puck, what he does on the special teams. I think he’s been playing his best hockey. He’s a big piece of our success right now,” said Vincent speaking about Mailloux’s play versus Cleveland.
By Chris G, Senior Writer, Rocket Sports
