The Laval Rocket lost 7-4 to the Rochester Americans on Saturday at Blue Cross Arena.
Jean-François Houle's team suffered their second defeat in a row, something that had not happened since mid-November.
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The first third was particularly difficult against the Americans. Although Emil Heineman leveled the score at 1-1, three unanswered goals from Nikita Novikov, Justin Richards and Brett Murray ensured the local favorites took a 4-1 lead after 20 minutes.
But the Rockets didn't give up in the second third either. Goals from Heineman – his second of the game – and Filip Cederqvist allowed the visitors to reduce the deficit to 5-3.
However, successes from Linus Weissbach and Brett Murray in the third period dashed the Rocket's hopes of a comeback. Jan Mysak scored his team's fourth goal at halftime.
Kasimir Kaskisuo had his first difficult appearance since moving to Laval. After conceding four goals from ten shots in 15 minutes and 16 seconds, the Swede was replaced by Strauss Mann. The latter blocked 21 of the 24 shots thrown at him.
The Rocket, ranked fourth in the North Division, face the Utica Comets on Wednesday at Place Bell.
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