Cayden Primeau shines as Laval ties playoff series against Syracuse

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A change in goal produced a change in the result as the Laval Rocket edged the Syracuse Crunch 3-2 Saturday at Upstate Medical University Arena.

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Cayden Primeau made 37 saves in his pro playoff debut as Laval deadlocked the best-of-five North Division Calder Cup semifinal 1-1. Game 3 will be played at Place Bell Thursday.

Rocket coach Jean-François Houle started the most experienced Kevin Poulin in Game 1 Friday, explaining that he was more interested in winning than in development. He decided to make a switch after Poulin gave up four goals on 30 shots in a 5-3 loss.

“Watching the first game gave me an understanding of what playoff hockey looks like,” said Primeau. “The Crunch played playoff hockey all season and we were prepared for it. They’re a fun team to play against.”

Primeau played down his performance, giving credit to his teammates for blocking shots and praising Brandon Gignac who scored the winning goal with 1:47 remaining in the third period.

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But Houle left no doubt about who the game’s hero was: “Primeau was excellent. I have kept us in the game. I am very proud of his effort. ”

Primeau, who was considered the Canadiens’ goaltender of the future after being named the best goaltender in the US college ranks at Boston’s Northeastern University, was called up to the NHL earlier this season when Jake Allen was injured. His play from him with Montreal left a lot to be desired. He had a 1-7-1 record and he finished only four of the nine games he started. His confidence shattered, he said he was no longer the same goaltender and he welcomed a return to Laval in mid-February with an opportunity to rebuild his game.

After his return, he posted a so-so 8-6-2 record while allowing a shade over three goals a game. Toward the end of the season, he returned to Montreal as a backup after Allen had a groin injury and he missed valuable playing time.

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Gignac, a 24-year-old Repentigny native, played the hero when he went back door to take a pass from Jesse Ylonen and he beat Max Lagacé with his second backhand attempt.

“At first, I was afraid the (goaltender) would stop the second shot,” said a laughing Gignac. “After the rebound I had to go to the skylight. I am really happy!”

“He’s been scoring big goals for a couple of weeks,” noted Houle. “It’s a very important goal and I hope it will give him confidence.”

Ylonen scored the first Laval goal on a power play and Alex Belzile scored his third goal of the series.

“It was our goal to get a win on the road,” said Rocket forward Gabriel Bourque. “It was difficult tonight. They’re playing well on the other side, but the guys held on and we got a big win.”

The series moves to Laval for games Thursday and Saturday afternoon and Primeau said the home crowd should provide the Rocket with a lift.

“The fans supported us all season when they could,” said Primeau. “We feel their energy, we feed on it. Giving them a playoff game will be amazing.”

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