Matthew Peca scores game-winning overtime goal, leads Springfield Thunderbirds past Laval Rocket in series opener (video)

The Springfield Thunderbirds defeated Laval Rocket, 2-1, on 06/04/22 (LUCAS ARMSTRONG / SPRINGFIELD THUNDERBIRDS MEDIA).

SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield Thunderbirds continue to find ways to win this postseason, as Matthew Peca led them to a 2-1 overtime win against Laval Rocket at the MassMutual Center on Saturday evening.

Springfield remains undefeated through seven postseason games behind a game-high 41 saves from netminder Joel Hofer. The team now maintains a 1-0 lead against Laval in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference finals.

“We did what we needed to do,” said Peca regarding his team’s outcome. “We believed in the locker room that we were outplaying (Rocket). They ultimately just got some odd-man rushes and took advantage of turnovers. Later in the game, though, we started limiting those as we took over.”

Once Hofer denied Tobie Paquette-Bisson’s shot attempt near the blue line halfway through the extra frame, Springfield regained possession and took off. As they approached the opposing zone, Matthew Kessel located Peca along the weak side for a wrister to beat Rocket netminder Cayden Primeau (37 saves), ensuring the Thunderbirds another comeback victory.

“Laval is a good team, and they will come in waves and get their chances,” Peca said. “You have to stay strong and well defensively. And we got our fastbreak there, proving we can play in that style, too.”

Despite both teams remaining scoreless through 34 minutes of action, it was clear someone was close to getting over the hump. Such theory remained true as Laval commanded possession after Springfield came up short during its second power-play attempt moments prior in the second period.

The Rocket ultimately made them pay as Danick Martel sent a wrister past Hofer near the right faceoff circle, ensuring his team the game’s first goal with 4:49 left in the frame. The score was Martel’s seventh this postseason, while Brandon Gignac and Paquette-Bisson recorded assists on the play.

Laval maintained a one-goal lead over the Thunderbirds entering the second intermission despite being outshot, 19-17.

With fewer than seven minutes remaining in regulation, the Rocket attempted to double their slim advantage as Cédric Paquette accepted a feed outside the crease. The center, however, was denied on back-to-back attempts as Hofer made two of his 16 third-period saves to keep it a one-goal deficit.

Those efforts proved pivotal as Brady Lyle helped Springfield avoid being shut out as he sent a wrister past Primeau’s glove side from just below the blue line to even the score at 1-1 with 2:56 remaining in regulation. The goal was Lyle’s second, while James Neal and Nathan Todd earned their fourth and fifth assists.

The Thunderbirds had an opportunity to possibly earn another late-regulation win as Alex Belzile was called for interference with under two minutes left on the clock. But despite multiple last-second shot attempts between Sam Anas and Neal, overtime was needed to declare a winner.

Springfield and Laval will meet back here for Game 2 on Sunday, with puck drop scheduled for 5:05 p.m.

“We’re a composed group and work hard together,” said Peca regarding the team chemistry. “Everything we’re doing now is expected of us, so we understand the stakes. Everybody is going out there and elevating their play. Tomorrow will be no different for us because we’ve played back-to-backs before.

“We’re professionals that know what to do to get our bodies ready, so we’ll come out flying.”

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