Rocket: a disastrous first half in a very important game

After fine victories on Wednesday and Friday against the Bridgeport Islanders, the Rocket was back in action this afternoon in Toronto.

For the occasion, it faced the Marlies in the most important game of the year so far.

Prior to the game, Toronto was just one point ahead of Laval in the standings and in last place for the Northern Section playoffs.

Jean-François Houle’s team was expected to get off to a strong start, but just the opposite happened.

They allowed four goals in the first period in a game – I repeat – of VERY high importance.

A period to forget for the Rocket. The Marlies add two more goals before the end of the period to give themselves a 4-0 lead over the Rocket. You can’t show up on the road like that and expect to make the playoffs.

– Anthony Marcotte (@anthonymarcotte) March 17, 2024

“You can’t show up like that on the road and expect to make the playoffs.”

Jakub Dobes, who was left to his own devices wasn’t back in front of the cage in the second period.

Kasimir Kaskisuo replaced him.

Kasimir Kaskisuo is in front of the Rocket net to start the second half.

Kasimir Kaskisuo is in front of the Rocket net to start the second

– Rocket de Laval (@RocketLaval) March 17, 2024

Is Dobes too tired, as Anthony Marcotte suggested? Marcotte wonders if he’s been overused.

In the second period, the Rocket played much better, but failed to extend their lead. Very disappointing…

I’m well aware that the players were disturbed overnight, but that’s no excuse for their poor performance this afternoon.

Fire alarm at the Rocket hotel in Toronto just hours before a big 4-point game. Almost exactly at midnight. Curious coincidence…

– Anthony Marcotte (@anthonymarcotte) March 17, 2024

The Rocket won’t play its next game until Friday night. So they’ll have time to regroup.

Will David Reinbacher, who must be thinking it’s no better than Kloten, be in the game?

In brief

– 10/10.

#Blackhawks prospect Paul Ludwinski completes the hat trick in overtime and then delivers an A+ celly. Amazing. pic.twitter.com/YjdMWOkmNd

– Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) March 17, 2024

– Good work.

Justin Poirier becomes the first 17-year-old to score 50 goals in a QMJHL season since Sidney Crosby in 2004-2005! pic.twitter.com/p0UMUnkw6Z

– RDS (@RDSca) March 17, 2024

– Ah well.

Oilers defenseman Vincent Desharnais has a broken finger from fight with Colorado’s Josh Manson https://t.co/w0YPcDOfkw

– Oilersnation.com, Oily Since ’07 (@OilersNation) March 17, 2024

– Wow.

Turkey: Violent end to match between players and fanshttps://t.co/6JYTcSCgOh

– RDS (@RDSca) March 17, 2024

– Let’s see.

Joey Votto had originally planned to play five innings today, not one.

“I accidentally stepped on a bat in the dugout, rolled my ankle and it hurt like the dickens.”

He expects that tomorrow’s off day will be enough, then he’ll be back at it. #BlueJays

– Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) March 17, 2024

– Another number three catcher.