Rocket Need All Hands On Deck | Laval Week In Review

After a tough stretch of games before the All-Star break where the Laval Rocket came up short on the score sheet, the team embarked on a new road trip last week. Kicking off the five-game stretch, which will cover a two-week time span, the Canadiens' AHL affiliate found themselves in Toronto for a weekend series against the Marlies.

Even with a relatively regular roster on Friday night, albeit without their points-leader Brandon Gignac, the Rocket struggled mightily against a hungry and much more determined Toronto team.

Then, as happens on almost a weekly basis in the American Hockey League, Jean-Francois Houle found himself with a depleted lineup. Over the course of the two games played in Toronto, three players left the ice early due to injury and another one, Joshua Roy, was plucked from the ice just moments before puck drop to return to Montreal.

The constant turnover due to injuries and recalls means that the players who remain, whether they be veterans or prospects, need to dig deep and adopt that ever-present 'next man up' mentality. Players suddenly find themselves promoted in the lineup, getting more ice time, and carrying more responsibility. The question usually comes down to whether they're prepared to make the most of those opportunities.

To the surprise of some, Laval did manage to turn things around and put up some impressive numbers on Saturday's rematch against the Marlies.

On my latest episode of Rocket Hockey Report, you can hear more details and analysis about both of these games and which players really stepped up, plus a preview of Laval's week ahead. Simply click to watch the video below, or follow this link to watch on YouTube: Kasimir Kaskisuo Almost Did THIS Against His Former Team!

Be sure to bookmark THN.com/Montreal for year-round coverage of the Montreal Canadiens, Laval Rocket, and Habs prospects playing in leagues around the world.