The Laval Rocket have clinched their spot in the North Division Finals after defeating the Cleveland Monsters 4-1 in Game 4 of their second-round matchup. The victory not only secured the best-of-five series for the Rocket but also highlighted the impressive emergence of goaltender Jacob Fowler, who has stepped up in a significant way this postseason.
Replacing Cayden Primeau as the starter, Fowler has been nothing short of stellar. In Game 1, he stopped 23 of 25 shots, setting the tone for the series. He followed that performance with a 20-save shutout in Game 2, giving Laval a commanding 2-0 lead. Despite a hiccup in Game 3, where Primeau started and the Rocket fell 3-1, Fowler returned to form in Game 4, helping his team seal the series with a dominant performance.
Fowler’s playoff stats are impressive, as he has won all three games he started while allowing only three goals on 64 shots, leading to a .953 save percentage. This performance places him among the top goaltenders in the Calder Cup Playoffs, particularly as the highest-rated rookie. His journey to this point has been remarkable; prior to joining the Rocket, Fowler excelled at Boston College, earning the Mike Richter Award for the top goaltender in NCAA Division I hockey.
Despite his success, the situation surrounding Primeau is complex. He had an outstanding regular season with a 21-2-2 record and a .927 save percentage, but his call-up to the Montreal Canadiens to back up Samuel Montembeault during the playoffs left him unable to maintain his starter position with Laval. As a result, Primeau may find himself looking for a new opportunity once his contract expires this summer, even though his contributions were vital during the regular season.
The Rocket’s success isn’t solely due to Fowler’s goaltending; the team has shown depth and skill across the roster. Head coach Pascal Vincent, named the AHL Coach of the Year, has effectively managed his lineup, ensuring contributions from all lines. For instance, Owen Beck, who played alongside Jared Davidson and Florian Xhekaj on the fourth line in Game 4, helped maintain offensive pressure throughout the match.
Looking ahead, the Rocket will face the Rochester Americans in the North Division Finals. The Amerks, who swept the Syracuse Crunch with an impressive 11-2 goal differential, are poised to be a tough opponent. This matchup is particularly intriguing as the Rocket dominated the regular season series against Rochester, winning six out of eight encounters and outscoring them 24-14.
Rochester’s season has also been noteworthy, with their own standout players, including goaltender Devon Levi, who is another recipient of the Mike Richter Award. The Amerks have shown resilience and skill, making this upcoming series a highly anticipated clash between two of the top teams in the division.
In the regular season, the Laval Rocket finished with a franchise-best record of 48-19-3-2, earning them 101 points in total. Their defensive capabilities were highlighted by allowing only 178 goals, a testament to their robust gameplay. As they prepare for the North Division Finals, the Rocket will aim to leverage their strong defensive play and offensive depth to secure a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals.
The anticipation surrounding the series is palpable, with the schedule for the best-of-five set to be announced soon. Tickets for Rochester’s guaranteed home games are expected to go on sale shortly, further fueling excitement among fans.
As the Laval Rocket continue their playoff journey, the performance of Jacob Fowler will be closely monitored, especially with the potential of making an impact at the NHL level in the near future. For now, the Rocket are focused on their next challenge against the Amerks, a series that promises to be thrilling.
