
Thunderbirds vs. Laval Rocket
Eastern Conference Finals Game 7
Thunderbirds vs. Laval Rocket
Eastern Conference Finals Game 7
The Springfield Thunderbirds could not solve a stifling Laval Rocket defense, and the visitors pushed the Eastern Conference Finals to a deciding seventh game with a 5-1 win in Game 6 at the MassMutual Center on Monday night.
The opening 20 minutes were among the most stagnant in the series to date, as the clubs traded numerous icing whistles and registered only 14 combined shots in the first.
Springfield had multiple chances to get their scuffling power play out of its funk, as a double-minor to Devante Smith-Pelly and a slash on Danick Martel gave the T-Birds six minutes of power-play time. Try as they might, though, the Springfield man advantage could not solve Cayden Primeau nor the Laval penalty kill, which improved to 28-for-28 in the series.
At the other end of the ice, Joel Hofer had a tame opening period, as the 21-year-old netminder needed to make only five stops in the first frame.
An unfortunate and rare breakdown in communication between Hofer and Tommy Cross swung the game's momentum to Laval, as moments after Primeau kicked out the leg to stop Will Bitten on a breakaway, the puck came back down behind the T-Birds' net. Hofer and Cross each went to play the puck, creating some confusion, and Cross' attempt to clear ended up right on the stick of Danick Martel, who fired it into an open net at 4:58 of the middle period to give Laval the 1-0 lead.
The Thunderbirds' power play once again had chances to crack Springfield into the scoring column, but Primeau continued his stellar play on the man disadvantage, upping his two-period save total to 20.
Laval further distanced themselves just 1:45 into the third when Gabriel Bourque raced down the slot and beat Hofer over the glove with a wrist shot to make it a 2-0 score.
Martel would add his second goal and third point of the night on a breakaway at 8:51 to bring the lead to 3-0. Matthew Peca would finally end Primeau's shutout bid with 4:55 to play in regulation, but that's all Springfield would find on this night, as Brandon Gignac (EN, 17:14) and Lucas Condotta (PP, 19:19) added the final two markers of the evening for Laval.
VIP Suites
For a VIP experience in our arena during a Thunderbirds Hockey Game, our VIP Suites are available to book. From incredible views, to a private bar and catering options, this exclusive area is the perfect setting for company outings, parties or gatherings.
For rates and availability, please call 413-739-4625 or email tickets@springfieldthunderbirds.com.
Executive Perch
Looking for the perfect setting for your next company party, business meeting, or friends & family gathering?
The Thunderbirds Executive Perch inside the MassMutual Center is the answer for you!
This exclusive, premium location provides comfort and privacy, in addition to catered food and drink packages and 40 tickets. Should your party have more than 40 people, additional Perch tickets may be purchased.
For more information on pricing and availability, contact the Thunderbirds office at (413) 739-4625 or email tickets@springfieldthunderbirds.com.
Prohibited Items
- No Bags, backpacks, or brief cases except for:
1. Clutch/Purse no larger than 5"x 7"
2. Medical Bag
3. Diaper Bag (with child in attendance) - Cameras with interchangeable/detachable lens or external flash (No Professional Photography)
- Audio/Visual Recording Devices (includes GoPro, Google Glass, Spectacles, etc.)
- Selfie Sticks, Tripods, Monopods
- Outside Food, Beverage, or Alcohol
- Cans, Metal/Glass/Plastic Containers, Bottles, or Flasks (empty or sealed bottles included)
- Laptops, Tablets, Personal Computers, or Two-Way Radios
- Weapons, Firearms, Pepper Spray, Pocket Knives or Mace
- Illegal Drugs or Substances
- Flammable Liquids, Aerosol Cans, or Permanent Markers
- Flashlights, Laser Pointers, Flares, or Fireworks
- Noise Making Devices (i.e. Air Horns, whistles, bells, vuvuzelas, etc.)
- Balloons, Balls, Projectiles, or Optical Illusions
- Skateboards, Segways, Scooters, Rollerblades, Bicycles, Hover boards, and Helmets
- Coolers, Ice Chests, Folding Chairs, or Pointed-Tip Umbrellas
- Flowers (unless otherwise permitted by Tour Production)
- Seat Cushions or Booster Seats
- Patrons Without Shoes or Shirt
- Masks, Chains, or Studded Belts/Bracelets
- Drones (without prior written consent from MassMutual Center Management)
- Animals or Pets (accommodations made for trained, harnessed, and housebroken service animals)
- Unapproved Pamphlets, Handouts, Ads, or Flyers without prior consent from Arena Management
- Clothing, garments, or signs displaying explicit language, profanity, or derogatory characterization toward any person(s)
- Signs, Flags, or Banners exceeding 11” x 17” or attached to a pole/stick. Signs must be relevant to event. Signs may not contain or display obscene or offensive language and/or pictures as determined by MassMutual Center Management. Management reserves the right to prohibit or remove a sign or banner at any time.
Terms and Conditions
IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ:
ASSUMPTION OF RISK: The Venue operates and maintains its premises to protect against the exposure of the COVID-19 virus in accordance with federal and state guidelines. As noted by government health officials, complete isolation from the virus is impossible. Accordingly, the Venue cannot and does not promise to eliminate the risk of exposure to COVID-19 and cannot and does not promise that the Ticket Holder will not contract COVID-19. The Ticket Holder acknowledges that the Venue has informed him/her that the Venue is not risk-free, that it is possible that the Ticket Holder may contract COVID-19 during his/her presence at the Venue, and that Ticket Holder freely chooses to enter and/or reside in the Venue with awareness of the associated risks.
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