It’s done, we now know the identity of the Laval Rocket’s playoff opponents: it will be the Cleveland Monsters.
The Monsters won both games to eliminate the Toronto Marlies in the first two out of three round of the AHL playoffs.
James Malatesta of Quebec just scored in Toronto late in the 2nd overtime and the #Monsters of Cleveland eliminate the #Marlies
It will be #Monsters vs #Rocket and the 3 of 5 series will start in Cleveland on Wednesday or Thursday. Game #3 in Laval next Sunday #AHL
– Stephane Leroux (@StephRDSJunior) April 27, 2025
It was a goal by Quebec’s James Malatesta in the second overtime that gave the Ohio team the win.
James Malatesta in the final minute of double overtime@monstershockey | #CalderCup pic.twitter.com/xst13v7gZP
– American Hockey League (@TheAHL) April 27, 2025
The series between the Rocket and Monsters will therefore begin on Wednesday or Thursday night, depending on whether the basketball series between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat requires a fifth game. The Cavaliers hold a 3-0 series lead.
Here’s the complete series schedule:
The Rocket ‘s series schedule (3 of 5) will be as follows
Wednesday or Thursday #1 in Cleveland
Friday #2 in Cleveland
Sunday, May 4 #3 at Laval
Tuesday, May 6 #4 at Laval
Fri. May 9 #5 at Laval
We’ll know Monday night whether it will be Wed or Thurs depending on the Cavaliers (NBA) result
– Stephane Leroux (@StephRDSJunior) April 27, 2025
You may have noticed a strange detail: the Rocket will play its first two games on the road even though the team finished first in the AHL.
Because of the distance between the two clubs and to limit travel, the series starts at the home of the neglected club for the first two games, while the last three games are played at the home of the favorite.
So, as the series progresses, the ice advantage shifts to the team that finished ahead in the standings.
I’m really not sure about this formula..
I understand the financial concerns behind the decision, but it seems like a lot of hay. The advantage of the ice, yes it’s playing more games at home, but it’s also being able to take advantage of its crowd to start the series with momentum.
It seems to me that a 2-2-1 formula where you start the best team at home makes much more sense, regardless of the distance between the clubs. In fact, if the Rocket had played the Marlies, that would have been the formula for the series.
What’s more, with just a few days to go before the start of their series, the Rocket could be in for a change in front of the net, depending on how the situation with Samuel Montembeault evolves.
If the Canadiens’ goaltender is injured, the team will logically have to recall Cayden Primeau, thus depriving the Rocket of its number-one starter.
Jacob Fowler is not an option for the CH, as he only has an American League contract.
Moreover, if Montreal has to recall Primeau, it’s probably Fowler who will start the playoffs for Laval, while Connor Hughes is currently injured.
However, all this depends on Montembault’s state of health.
In gusto
– The Rocket is ready!
Next step
https://t.co /Xo5HCaOsxZ
Next step
https://t.co /Xo5HCaOsxZ pic.twitter.com/ZRG9TAzOZo
– xyz – Rocket de Laval (@RocketLaval) April 27, 2025
– Into overtime again!
For the third straight game we’re heading to overtime! #GoSensGo pic.twitter.com/GPuSuPhWtv
– X – Ottawa Senators (@Senators) April 27, 2025
– Lots of blue in Ottawa.
I see predominately blue in the stands lol.
– NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) April 27, 2025
– Big game to end the night.
PUCK = DROPPED
The final game of the night is underway in Colorado! #StanleyCup
: @NHL_On_TNT (TBS) & @SportsonMax https://t.co/4TuyIATi3T
: @Sportsnet or stream on Sportsnet+ https://t.co/4KjbdjVctF pic.twitter.com/AOlglk1Z5I
– NHL (@NHL) April 27, 2025