The Belleville Senators closed their three-game weekend by hosting the Laval Rocket, ultimately losing 3-2. Despite the loss, Hunter Shepard delivered an impressive 43-save effort.
Laval came out strong, taking 23 shots on net early in the first period. Their offense quickly made an impact when Nate Clurman assisted on an Alex Belzile shot that was deflected to Filip Mesar, who scored his second goal of the season, giving Laval a 1-0 lead.
Shortly after, the Senators responded just as their power play ended. Jake Chiasson's patience helped create space, allowing Lassi Thomson to fire a one-timer past Laval goalie Kaapo Kähkönen, tying the game at 1-1.
Early in the second period, Belleville earned a power play and converted it into a goal. Carter Yakemchuk took a point shot, followed by a slick pass from Xavier Bourgault to Arthur Kaliyev. Kaliyev scored his second consecutive game goal, putting the Senators ahead 2-1.
Laval quickly answered back as Marc Del Gaizo passed to Jared Davidson, who scored from the point, beating Shepard on the short side and leveling the score once more at 2-2.
The third period was largely uneventful in terms of scoring until Laval pulled ahead just under five minutes before the final buzzer, sealing their 3-2 victory.
"Hunter Shepard stopped 43 shots, keeping Belleville competitive throughout the game."
Summary: Despite Hunter Shepard’s stellar 43-save performance, Belleville fell 3-2 to Laval after a late deciding goal highlighted a hard-fought contest.
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