As the Montreal Canadiens face elimination in the NHL playoffs, their AHL affiliate, the Laval Rocket, is gearing up to embark on their own quest for the Calder Cup. The Rocket will kick off their second-round series against the Cleveland Monsters on Wednesday night, April 30, 2025. This marks Laval's first playoff action of the season, while the Monsters come into the matchup after a hard-fought best-of-three series against the Toronto Marlies.
The AHL playoffs operate differently than the NHL, with the top team in each division receiving a bye into the second round. The Rocket, having finished the season with an impressive 48-19-0-5 record, will enjoy home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs. This season's performance has been their best since relocating to Laval, showcasing their potential as serious contenders.
In a twist of fate, the first two games of the series will be hosted by the Monsters in Cleveland, while the Rocket will take over as the home team for the final three games. Fans can expect high-stakes hockey as both teams vie for a spot in the next round.
One of the most significant developments for the Rocket is the return of Brandon Gignac, who has been sidelined since late December due to injury. His presence is expected to bolster the team's offense as they prepare for the challenges ahead. Meanwhile, with Cayden Primeau called up to the NHL due to Samuel Montembeault’s injury, Jacob Fowler will take the reins as the starting goaltender. Fowler has had a solid start to his AHL career, holding a 2-1 record and a .917 save percentage in his three appearances.
Head coach Pascal Vincent has successfully guided the Rocket through a season filled with ups and downs, instilling a winning mentality that has seen the team adapt and thrive despite injuries. Vincent’s leadership will be crucial as the Rocket look to capitalize on their depth and talent. The top line will feature Sean Farrell alongside Laurent Dauphin and Alex Barre-Boulet, while Gignac is expected to join Owen Beck and Joshua Roy on the second line.
The Rocket's roster boasts impressive depth, with players like Jared Davidson and rookie Florian Xhekaj making significant contributions. Davidson finished the regular season as the team's third-highest scorer with 24 goals and 21 assists, while Xhekaj had a stellar debut season, also netting 24 goals and adding 11 assists. Their ability to score while playing primarily on the third and fourth lines highlights the Rocket's strength in depth.
On the defensive front, Adam Engstrom and David Reinbacher are poised to form a formidable pairing, providing stability and skill on the blue line. This matchup will be a critical test for both young defensemen, who have the potential to make an impact at the NHL level in the future.
As the Laval Rocket prepare for their playoff opener against the Cleveland Monsters, excitement is palpable among fans and players alike. The game is set to be broadcasted on RDS and AHL TV, ensuring that supporters can follow their team’s journey closely.
Meanwhile, in the AHL's Pacific Division, the Abbotsford Canucks have also made headlines by advancing to the second round of the playoffs. They secured their spot with a commanding 5-0 victory over the Tucson Roadrunners in the decisive Game 3 of their first-round series on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Head coach Manny Malhotra expressed satisfaction with his team's performance, particularly in the do-or-die matchup, highlighting the stellar play of goaltender Arty Šilovs, who faced quality chances but stood tall throughout the game.
Abbotsford dominated the series, outshooting Tucson by a staggering 100-76 margin over the three games. In Game 3 alone, the Canucks outshot the Roadrunners 39-21, with a blistering first period that saw a 20-5 advantage in shots. Max Sasson emerged as a standout player, leading the Canucks with 13 shots on goal across the series, which ranks second in the AHL playoffs.
For the Tucson Roadrunners, the 2024-25 season was marked by resilience and growth, as they clinched a playoff berth for a franchise-record third consecutive year. Despite being eliminated by Abbotsford, the Roadrunners showcased their potential with significant contributions from key players. Cameron Hebig, affectionately known as "The Mayor of Tucson," had a breakout season, posting a career-high 47 points (26 goals, 21 assists) over 67 games, leading the team in goals. His performance earned him an AHL All-Star selection and a two-way NHL contract midseason.
Hebig wasn’t alone in achieving personal bests; Austin Poganski, in his first season as captain, also enjoyed a stellar campaign with 15 goals and 26 assists. Egor Sokolov and Max Szuber further bolstered the Roadrunners' offense, with Sokolov netting 22 goals and Szuber contributing 25 assists.
In the playoffs, alternate captains Travis Barron and Ben McCartney stepped up, each recording three-point games against Abbotsford. Rookie defenseman Artem Duda made his mark by scoring his first career playoff goal in Game 1, while goaltender Jaxson Stauber shined with a playoff career-high 38 saves in Game 2.
Despite the disappointment of an early exit, the Roadrunners' season was characterized by milestones and memorable moments. Several players reached significant career benchmarks, including Kevin Connauton, who played in his 400th AHL game and 800th professional contest overall.
As the AHL playoffs continue, the Laval Rocket and Abbotsford Canucks are poised to make their mark, showcasing the talent and determination that defines the league. Fans can expect thrilling hockey as these teams battle for the Calder Cup, with each game bringing the promise of excitement and unforgettable moments.
